Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have killed eight operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) during an attack near the BUA Cement Factory in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The incident, which occurred around 10 p.m. on Friday, August 5, 2025, happened while the operatives were escorting five Chinese expatriates after a routine patrol at the company’s entrance. One of the expatriates was abducted, while four others were rescued.
A senior officer of the corps confirmed the casualties, adding that four persons sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
He said an official statement would be issued later from the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja.
The Edo State Commandant, Agun Gbenga, has since visited the crime scene and also checked on the injured personnel.
Meanwhile, security agencies have launched a joint operation to track down the assailants, combing forests around the area.
The attack came the same day 16 kidnapped passengers travelling along the Benin–Auchi Road were rescued by police and local vigilantes.
The victims were said to have been dragged into the forest by armed men before security operatives intervened.
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Police spokesperson Moses Yamu confirmed the rescue, noting that operations to track fleeing suspects were still ongoing.
