Tragedy struck late Friday in Edo State as suspected kidnappers launched coordinated attacks in two separate incidents, resulting in the deaths of eight personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC and one civilian. A Chinese expatriate was abducted in the chaos.
The fatal attack occurred at the BUA Cement facility in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area, around 10:00 p.m., where armed men laid ambush at the company’s entrance. According to reports, the attackers engaged NSCDC operatives in a gun duel, killing eight officers and a civilian. Their target was a group of five expatriates, four of whom were rescued, while one was taken hostage and whisked away into the surrounding bush.
In a separate incident, passengers travelling in an 18-seater bus belonging to the state-owned New Edo Line, as well as occupants of a Toyota Corolla, were abducted Friday evening along the Benin-Akure Road.
The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction, stating that 16 of the victims have so far been rescued noting that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining hostages and track down the kidnappers.
