In a brazen and deadly attack, suspected kidnappers stormed the BUA Cement Company in Okpella, Edo State, killing eight Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) operatives and abducting a Chinese expatriate.
The incident occurred around 10 pm on Friday during a routine patrol by the NSCDC personnel escorting five Chinese expatriates.
The attackers, armed with sophisticated weapons, ambushed the security team, catching them off guard and opening fire on them.
Four other NSCDC operatives and one civilian were injured in the attack, while four Chinese expatriates were rescued unhurt.
The abduction of the Chinese national has raised concerns about the safety of foreign workers in Nigeria.
This incident echoes a similar attack in Kogi State last month, where gunmen ambushed a convoy escorting a Chinese expatriate, killing a police officer and abducting the foreign national.
The growing trend of kidnappings and violent crimes targeting expatriates and security operatives in Nigeria’s mining regions has sparked widespread concern.
The attack occurred at the company’s entrance gate, where the NSCDC operatives were on routine patrol.
The gunmen reportedly laid ambush on their victims, opening fire on the officers escorting the Chinese expatriates.
The Edo State Command of the NSCDC has yet to comment on the incident, with the command spokesman referring inquiries to the national headquarters.
Security agencies are reportedly intensifying efforts to locate and rescue the abducted Chinese national and apprehend the perpetrators.
