BREAKING: Gunmen Kill Eight NSCDC Personnel, Kidnap Chinese National in Edo State

Fear Grips Edo State After Deadly Night Attack

Edo State is in shock. Gunmen attacked the convoy of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area.
The ambush left eight NSCDC officers dead. A Chinese national was kidnapped. Several others were injured.

The incident happened around 10 p.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025. The team of NSCDC operatives was escorting expatriates working at the BUA Cement Company. Suddenly, heavily armed men opened fire near the company’s main entrance.

The attack was swift, brutal, and bloody.

Details of the Attack

Eyewitnesses said the NSCDC men were on official duty. They were providing security for five Chinese expatriates.
The attackers struck without warning.

Within minutes, the convoy came under heavy gunfire.
The officers fought back, but they were outnumbered.

By the time the shooting stopped, eight NSCDC personnel were dead. A civilian driver was also killed.

Out of the five expatriates, four were rescued alive. One was abducted and taken away into the forest.

How the Gunmen Escaped

Reports suggest the attackers arrived in several vehicles.
They positioned themselves strategically.

After killing the officers, they dragged one Chinese national into their getaway vehicle.
They disappeared into the nearby forest.

Security sources confirmed that the kidnappers used motorcycles and vehicles to aid their escape.
The rescue operation started immediately, but the attackers had already fled into thick bushes.

The Casualties

1 civilian driver dead

8 NSCDC officers killed on duty

4 NSCDC officers injured and in hospital

4 Chinese expatriates rescued alive

1 Chinese national still missing

The dead officers were praised for their bravery. They stood their ground until the end.

Official Confirmation

The NSCDC confirmed the incident in a statement.
The Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, expressed shock and sadness.

He described the slain officers as heroes who died in the line of duty.
He promised that the Corps would give them a befitting burial with full honors.

He also said the medical bills of the injured would be fully covered.

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Why This Attack Matters

The attack raises big concerns.
It shows how daring armed groups have become in Edo and other parts of Nigeria.

Critical national assets like the BUA Cement factory are now under threat.
Foreign investors may feel unsafe.

The NSCDC was created to protect such assets.
The attack proves that criminals are now targeting both security forces and expatriates.

Community Reactions

Residents of Okpella are living in fear.
Some locals said they heard heavy gunfire late at night.

Many ran into nearby bushes for safety.
Others locked themselves indoors until morning.

Community leaders condemned the attack.
They called on the government to provide more security in the area.

Eyewitness Accounts

One witness said:

“The shooting was too much. We heard explosions and gunshots. It was like a war zone.”

Another resident said:

“We are not safe. If gunmen can kill security men in front of a big company like BUA, then ordinary people have no hope.”

Security Response

The Edo State Police Command and the Nigerian Army joined forces with the NSCDC.
They launched a manhunt for the kidnappers.

Helicopters and drones were deployed.
Checkpoints were set up along major roads.

Villages around Okpella were searched.
But as at press time, the abducted Chinese expatriate had not been rescued.

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National Reactions

The attack has drawn nationwide condemnation.
Civil society groups called it an assault on Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Security analysts warned that criminals now see expatriates as easy targets for ransom.
They also said government must do more to protect security officers on duty.

International Concerns

China has a large investment presence in Nigeria.
Chinese nationals work in construction, mining, and cement industries.

The abduction of a Chinese citizen in Okpella may cause diplomatic tension.
The Chinese embassy is already in touch with Nigerian authorities.

Families of the Fallen

The families of the eight slain NSCDC personnel are in deep mourning.
Wives, children, and relatives gathered at NSCDC offices in Edo to demand justice.

Many wept uncontrollably.
Some asked why their loved ones had to face such risks without stronger backup.

The NSCDC promised full support for the bereaved families.
Scholarships for the children of the dead officers are also being considered.

A Pattern of Violence

This is not the first time armed men have attacked security convoys in Edo.
Earlier this year, similar attacks were recorded on highways.

Kidnapping for ransom has become a big business in many parts of Nigeria.
Expatriates are usually prime targets because kidnappers believe their companies can pay huge sums.

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What Next for Edo State?

The Edo State Government has promised to tighten security.
Governor’s aides said more patrols would be deployed around factories and highways.

Community vigilantes are also expected to work closely with official security agencies.

The question remains: Will these measures stop the rising wave of violence?

Impact on Investment

The BUA Cement factory is one of the largest employers in Edo State.
Foreign workers and local staff both contribute to its success.

If attacks like this continue, companies may withdraw expatriates.
That could mean job losses for local communities.

Lessons for Nigeria

This attack teaches painful lessons:

1. Security officers need better weapons and vehicles.
2. Expatriates should avoid night movement.
3. Intelligence gathering must improve.
4. Communities must report suspicious activities quickly.

Voices of the People

Ordinary Nigerians have taken to social media.
Many are using hashtags like #PrayForNSCDC and #OkpellaAttack.

Some praised the fallen officers.
Others criticized government for failing to protect its men.

Final Words from NSCDC

The Commandant General, Prof. Audi, assured Nigerians that the NSCDC would not back down.
He said the Corps remains committed to protecting critical national assets.

He promised justice for the dead officers.
He also called on citizens to stay calm and trust security agencies.

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Conclusion

The Okpella attack is a dark reminder of Nigeria’s fragile security situation.
Eight brave NSCDC officers paid the ultimate price.
One expatriate is still missing.
The nation is mourning.

The big questions remain unanswered:

When will security improve?

How can Nigeria protect its workers and expatriates?

Who will stop the bloodshed?

Until answers are found, the people of Edo State live in fear.