FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Edo State Command said eight of its personnel attached to BUA Cement Factory located in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State were killed on Friday.
AljazirahNigeria gathered that the incident happened on August 5 at about 10pm, when the officers were escorting five Chinese expatriates after a routine patrol at the company’s entrance.
According to an eyewitness who does not want his name in print, “the suspected kidnappers, armed with sophisticated weapons, ambushed the NSCDC personnel attached to BUA Cement Company, Okpella.
“The attackers laid ambush at the company’s entrance. They opened fire sporadically, engaging NSCDC operatives in a gun duel. Despite the loss of personnel, the operatives successfully rescued four expatriates.”
According to the source, “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.
He said the gunmen abducted one of the expatriates, four persons were injured and are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital, while one civilian was badly injured.
He also maintained that four expatriates were rescued unhurt.
The Edo State Commandant of the agency, Agun Gbenga, had visited the scene of the crime and the hospital where the injured are being treated.
The joint security operations with sister agencies have launched a manhunt, combing the surrounding forests in pursuit of the kidnappers.
“As I speak with you, our personnel and other security agencies are combing the bush through which the kidnappers escaped. We are making every effort to ensure that the abducted expatriate is freed unhurt and the perpetrators are brought to justice,” he stated.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, CSP Moses Yamu, said he is still awaiting the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in charge of the area.
