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From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
Daredevil gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have allegedly killed eight personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, attached to the BUA Cement Factory located in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Confirming the attack, the National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, CSC Afolabi Babawale, in a statement made available to journalists in Benin, said the personnel of the agency engaged the gunmen in a fierce battle for three hours and were able to repel them.
His words: “In a gun duel that lasted for three hours on 5th September 2025, a gang of armed kidnappers launched a grievous attack against the operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps attached to BUA Cement Company, Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
“It is very imperative to relay to the public the exact situation surrounding the attack.
“The operatives were deployed to provide adequate security and ensure the security coverage of the Chinese expatriates working at the company;
“Quite unfortunately, the convoy of both NSCDC operatives and the Chinese expatriates was ambushed during a routine patrol leaving 8 personnel dead, four seriously injured, one of the expatriate missing and four expatriates rescued and saved.
“The Corps reiterates its commitment to protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure and wholly condemns such attack”,
Babawale said the NSCDC Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has directed the Edo State Commandant and other Management Staff Officers to pay condolence visits to the families of the gallant operatives who lost their lives in the line of duty and further make arrangements for their burial with full honour.
He added that the NSCDC boss maintained that the labour, commitment and patriotism displayed by the operatives would forever be remembered.
He that the Commandant General of the NSCDC has said that those under intensive care would have their medical bills covered and adequate treatments given to make them recuperate speedily.
“Prof. Audi appreciated the relevant security agencies who have collaborated with the NSCDC to ensure that the forest where the kidnappers escaped are properly combed in order to rescue the abducted expatriate and the perpetrators immediately apprehended and brought to book.
“The Corps states categorically that all embellished reports earlier made be ignored as the CG is wholly committed to the welfare, safety and care of the officers and men noting that this occurrence will not discourage the Corps from discharging its statutory mandate in protection of critical national assets and infrastructure,” Babawale said.
