8 NSCDC officials killed as gunmen kidnap Chinese national

Eight officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been killed in an ambush by some gunmen in Edo State.

The NSCDC officials were killed alongside a civilian driver while the gunmen ambushed the convoy of a Chinese national from BUA Cement Company, Okpella.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the NSCDC said the incident occurred on Friday at about 10:30pm along the Okpella–Agenebode axis of Edo State.

It said, “Armed men laid an ambush on the convoy of a Chinese national from BUA Cement Company, Okpella, leading to the tragic death of eight (8) NSCDC personnel attached to the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) Department, alongside one civilian driver.

“A total of twelve (12) persons were on escort duty at the time of the attack. Sadly, the Chinese national was kidnapped during the incident,” the statement noted.

According to the corps, the bodies of the victims have been deposited in the morgue while those who survived are currently receiving medical attention.

Commiserating with the families of the deceased, NSCDC also described the death of its personnel at the hands of the gunmen as a grievous loss.

“The remains of the nine (9) deceased have been deposited in the mortuary, while the three (3) injured victims are currently receiving treatment at a medical facility.

Among the fallen heroes is Chief Corps Assistant (CCA) Oluwatosin Sunday of the Ondo State Command, who was attached to the CNAI Department,” it said.

It further assured that efforts are being made to ensure the immediate rescue of the abducted Chinese national and apprehension of the criminals to ensure they face justice.