Gunmen killed eight NSCDC officers and kidnapped a Chinese expatriate in an attack on BUA Cement Factory, Okpella, Edo State. Security forces have launched rescue operations.
Suspected kidnappers on Friday night attacked security personnel attached to the BUA Cement Factory in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, killing eight officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
A senior officer of the corps confirmed the incident on Saturday, explaining that the gunmen targeted NSCDC operatives who were escorting five Chinese expatriates after a routine patrol around the factory’s main entrance.
During the assault, one expatriate was abducted, while four others managed to escape. Four people were also injured and are currently receiving treatment at a hospital. The NSCDC headquarters in Abuja is expected to issue an official statement.
“The attack occurred at about 10 p.m. on Friday, August 5, 2025. Sadly, eight of our officers were killed. One expatriate was taken, but four others were rescued,” the officer revealed.
The Edo State Commandant of the corps, Agun Gbenga, has since visited the scene of the attack and the hospital where the injured are being treated.
Security forces, in collaboration with the police, military, and local vigilantes, have begun combing nearby forests to track down the attackers.
In a separate incident, the Edo State Police Command confirmed the rescue of 16 passengers kidnapped along the Benin–Auchi Road on Friday. The victims, who were on their way to Abuja, were ambushed and dragged into the forest before a joint team of police officers, hunters, and vigilantes launched a successful rescue mission.
Police spokesperson Moses Yamu stated: “The abduction happened around 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Sixteen of the victims have been rescued so far, and the operation to secure others is still ongoing.”
The two incidents highlight the growing security challenges in Edo State, as authorities intensify efforts to safeguard residents and bring the perpetrators to justice.
