Gunmen struck in two separate incidents in Edo State on Friday, abducting passengers along the Benin-Auchi highway and killing eight operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) during an ambush in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area.
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At least 18 passengers traveling to Abuja in a newly launched Edo Line bus were intercepted on the Benin-Auchi expressway and forced into the bush by armed men.
A viral video from the scene showed vehicles lined up on both sides of the highway as panic spread among commuters.
Confirming the incident on Saturday, Moses Iyamu, spokesperson for the Edo Police Command, said 16 of the kidnapped passengers had been rescued.
“Sixteen of these passengers have been rescued safely while the rescue operation by Edo State Police in synergy with vigilantes and hunters continues,” Iyamu stated.
He added that efforts have been intensified to secure the release of the two remaining hostages.
In a separate attack the same night, suspected kidnappers ambushed NSCDC operatives at the premises of a cement company in Okpella.
The officers were escorting five Chinese expatriates back to base after a routine patrol when the attackers opened fire on their convoy around 10 p.m.
Eight operatives were killed in the ambush, while four others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment. One civilian also reportedly lost his life in the attack.
Four of the expatriates were rescued unhurt, but one was abducted by the gunmen.
Afolabi Babawale, spokesperson of the NSCDC, described the attack as “grievous” in a statement on Saturday, adding that the commandant-general of the corps, Ahmed Audi, has pledged full support to the families of the slain operatives.
“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.
Audi directed senior officers in Edo to visit the bereaved families and ensure the fallen personnel are buried with full honours. He also confirmed that the corps will cover medical expenses for the injured officers.
The NSCDC said security agencies are combing forests in Etsako East to rescue the abducted expatriate and apprehend the attackers.
“This cowardly attack will not deter us from carrying out our duties,” the corps said.
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