Okpella, Edo State — Tragedy struck on Friday night when armed men ambushed a convoy escorting a Chinese national working with BUA Cement Company, killing eight officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and one civilian driver.
The incident occurred at about 10:30 p.m. along the Okpella–Agenebode axis. According to a statement by the NSCDC, the attackers opened fire on the convoy, leaving nine people dead and three others injured. The Chinese national being escorted was abducted.
The slain officers were attached to the Corps’ Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) Department. Among them was Chief Corps Assistant (CCA) Oluwatosin Sunday of the Ondo State Command.
The Corps described the fallen personnel as gallant officers who “paid the supreme price in the line of duty,” while expressing condolences to the families of the deceased and their colleagues.
“The Corps deeply mourns this grievous loss and commiserates with the families of the deceased, their colleagues, and the entire NSCDC family. We salute the gallantry of our officers and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives, national assets, and infrastructure,” the statement read.
It added that the remains of the victims have been deposited in a mortuary, while the three injured are receiving treatment at a medical facility.
The NSCDC assured that it is working closely with other security agencies to rescue the kidnapped expatriate and track down those responsible for the attack.
The attack highlights the growing wave of violent crimes in Edo and other parts of the country, where security operatives and civilians alike remain targets of criminal gangs.
