By Jethro Ibileke
Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Friday killed eight operatives of Edo State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and injured four other operatives and one civilian.
The incident occurred at BUA Cement Company, Okpella, Etsako East local government area of the state, during the abduction of a Chinese expatriate working with the company by suspected kidnappers.
The gunmen who reportedly laid ambushed on their on their victims opened fire on the officers escorting five Chinese expatriates after a routine patrol at the company’s entrance gate.
Sources who witnessed the attack disclosed that the gunmen, who were armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed the area at about 10 pm and caught the NSCDC operatives off guard during a routine patrol.
They confirmed that eight NSCDC men were killed and one of the expatriates abducted, while four others were rescued.
Edo Command Spokesman of NSCDC, Efosa Ogbebor, who declined to comment, said the national headquarters will address the press on the incident.
A source within the security outfit who asked not to be named confirmed that the deceased operatives were escorting five Chinese expatriates on a routine patrol when the attack occurred at the company’s entrance.
“Eight officers were killed, in five others, including a civilian injured. One Chinese expatriate was abducted while four others were rescued unhurt,” he said.
