On Saturday (September 6), a spokesperson for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) reported that an attack in the southern Edo State resulted in the death of 8 security officials, multiple injuries, one Chinese worker abducted, and four people rescued.
The NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, added that the missing Chinese worker is still being searched for, with joint military and police operations underway to secure the surrounding jungle and track down the attackers.
The attack occurred around 10 p.m. local time on Friday in Okpella, Etsako East LGA, Edo State. A convoy of Chinese workers from BUA Cement, escorted by NSCDC personnel, was ambushed near the entrance to the factory. The attackers, armed with sophisticated weapons, opened fire on the convoy, leading to a fierce gun battle.
Babawale stated, “8 officials were killed, including 5 injured individuals, including one civilian. One Chinese worker was abducted, while four others were rescued.”
According to reports from Reuters and other media outlets, the armed bandits’ actions appeared premeditated, possibly for ransom. Following the attack, NSCDC Edo State Commander Gbenga Agun rushed to the scene to visit the injured personnel. Local spokespeople declined to comment, stating that headquarters would issue an official statement.
This attack highlights the severe security situation in Nigeria. While shootings and kidnappings often occur in the north, bandit groups are also active in the south, targeting foreigners and corporate employees. Chinese workers are particularly vulnerable due to their extensive involvement in infrastructure and resource development projects.
Nigeria is a participant in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, with Chinese companies deeply involved in local transportation and energy projects. In recent years, there have been incidents of Chinese engineers being kidnapped or killed in various locations, including the 2022 attack at a dam site in Niger State and the 2023 kidnapping case at a railway construction site in Kaduna State.
As of now, the identities of the deceased security officials and the missing Chinese worker have not been publicly disclosed.