The Edo State Police Command on Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with other security agencies to bring to justice those behind last week’s killing of eight Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of the state.
The operatives, attached to the BUA Cement Factory, were ambushed and killed by suspected kidnappers.
During the attack, a Chinese expatriate was abducted, while four others were rescued. Four additional victims sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.
Following the incident, the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, directed the Edo Command and senior officers to console the families of the slain operatives and make arrangements for their burial with full honours.
He described the fallen men as patriots whose labour and sacrifice “will never be forgotten,” while assuring that the medical bills of the injured would be covered to ensure their speedy recovery.
On Monday, the NSCDC spokesperson in Edo, Efosa Ogbebor, said investigations were ongoing, noting that the Corps’ national headquarters had taken charge of burial arrangements and welfare for the bereaved families.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, paid an on-the-spot assessment visit to Okpella on Tuesday.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, the CP condemned the killings, describing them as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished.”
Agbonika commiserated with the NSCDC, assuring that the police were intensifying efforts to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted Chinese national while strengthening security around the cement factory and its environs.
“The Edo State Police Command remains steadfast in its duty to protect lives and property and will not relent until criminal elements threatening the peace of the state are identified and made to face justice,” the CP stated.
