Eight personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) attached to the BUA Cement Factory at Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, were on Friday night killed by unidentified gunmen.
The public relations officer of the agency, Ogbebor Efosa,who confirmed the incident in a statement made available to Newsmen in Benin, said the attack occurred at about 10.pm, when the officers were escorting five Chinese expatriates after a routine patrol at the company’s entrance.
According to him, “The suspected kidnappers, armed with sophisticated weapons, ambushed the NSCDC personnel attached to BUA Cement Company, Okpella, Etsako East LGA, Edo State at the company’s entrance, opened fire sporadically, engaging NSCDC operatives in a gun duel, killing eight personnel and abducting an Expatriate.
“Despite the loss of personnel, NSCDC operatives successfully rescued four expatriates. The armed group escaped into the bush with one abducted expatriate.
“The surviving NSCDC personnel repelled further assault and secured four expatriates safely. The injured officers were evacuated and are receiving medical care.”
Efosa said the Edo State Commandant of the agency, Agun Gbenga, has since visited the scene of the crime and the hospital where the injured were being treated.
He added that joint security operatives have launched a manhunt, combing the surrounding forest, in pursuit of the kidnappers.
Similarly, kidnappers reportedly struck along the Benin– Akure Expressway on Friday, targeting passengers travelling in an Edo Line bus and a Toyota Camry.
According to sources, several passengers were abducted during the attack.
However, security operatives have successfully rescued 16 victims so far, while search and rescue operations are still ongoing to free others believed to be in captivity.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Edo State Command, SP Moses Iyamu, confirmed the incident on Saturday, stating that 16 out of the 18 victims had been rescued.
He stressed that the police have intensified a “search and rescue” operation in collaboration with “local vigilantes and hunters” to ensure the release of the remaining passengers from the kidnappers’ den.