Civil Defence Mourns 8 Operatives Killed in Edo Ambush

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been thrown into mourning following the killing of eight of its operatives in an ambush by suspected kidnappers in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The deadly attack, which occurred late Friday night, reportedly lasted about three hours. During the incident, four other officers sustained critical injuries, while a Chinese expatriate was abducted. Four of his compatriots were, however, rescued unhurt.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the NSCDC’s National Public Relations Officer, Afolabi Babawale, confirmed the tragic development. He explained that the slain operatives were part of a security team deployed to protect expatriates working with BUA Cement Company in Okpella.

According to him, the personnel were on routine patrol when their convoy came under heavy gunfire from armed assailants.

The NSCDC Commandant-General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, described the attack as grievous and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of what he called “gallant and patriotic operatives.”

“The labour, commitment and patriotism displayed by our operatives will forever be remembered. The corps stands firmly with their families at this moment of grief. Their sacrifices shall not be forgotten,” Audi said.

He assured that the corps would work with other security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice, adding that measures were being put in place to forestall future occurrences.

The NSCDC Command in Edo State also confirmed that efforts were ongoing to track down the kidnappers and secure the release of the abducted Chinese national.

The ambush has further highlighted the growing insecurity in Edo and neighbouring states, where incidents of kidnapping for ransom and violent attacks on security personnel have been on the rise.

Security experts have since called for stronger inter-agency collaboration and improved intelligence gathering to tackle the menace.