Eight personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were killed on Friday night during a brutal ambush by suspected kidnappers in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria’s South-south. The attack, which reportedly lasted for about three hours and occurred around 10 p.m. at the entrance of the BUA Cement Company, also left four NSCDC officers critically injured and one Chinese expatriate abducted. Four other Chinese expatriates were rescued unhurt from the scene.

The slain operatives, along with a civilian who also lost their life in the incident, were part of a security team providing protection for expatriates attached to the BUA Cement Company. They were ambushed by gunmen, armed with sophisticated weapons, while escorting five Chinese expatriates back to the company’s base after a routine patrol. The assailants opened fire on the convoy, leading to the tragic loss of lives and injuries.

Following the grievous incident, the NSCDC swiftly responded, managing to rescue four of the expatriates. The NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, condemned the attack in strong terms, describing it as a "grievous" incident. In a statement released on Saturday by the corps' national Public Relations Officer, Afolabi Babawale, Commandant-General Audi expressed profound sorrow at the loss of the "gallant operatives" and gave an assurance that their sacrifices would not be forgotten. "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," the statement read.

The NSCDC has committed to supporting the bereaved families, with its Edo commandant and other senior officers scheduled to pay condolence visits and ensure the burial of the slain officers with full honours. Furthermore, the corps announced that it would take full responsibility for the medical treatment of the injured personnel to facilitate their recovery. Commandant-General Audi has directed senior officers in Edo to oversee these arrangements.

In response to the abduction, the NSCDC, in collaboration with other security agencies, has initiated extensive operations to rescue the abducted expatriate and apprehend the perpetrators. Security forces are actively combing forests in Etsako East. The corps reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to its statutory mandate of protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, stating, "This cowardly attack will not deter us from carrying out our duties."

This incident underscores the escalating security challenges in Nigeria, particularly the prevalence of abduction for ransom, which has become a widespread crime targeting various individuals, including clerics and students, across many Nigerian cities. In Edo State, the situation is further exacerbated by rampant cult-related attacks and killings. Just recently, gunmen abducted 29 passengers on a highway in the state, though police have since rescued 16 of them.

The police in Edo had previously voiced concerns in November last year regarding the worrisome spate of cult violence and the proliferation of arms. Former Governor Godwin Obaseki, in an attempt to curb the menace, banned the activities of Okaigheles (youth leaders) in Edo South District in June last year, revealing that the state had lost 150 people in five months to cult-related clashes. His successor, Governor Monday Okpebholo, also highlighted the severe economic impact, stating in November last year that the state loses over $1 billion worth of investments annually due to cult-related violence. Despite declaring war on cultism, government efforts have shown limited success, as killings continue unabated.