Blood on the Highway: 9 Lives Lost in Edo Ambush Horror

A devastating ambush attack shook the Okpella-Agenebode axis in Edo State on the night of Friday, September 5, 2025. At approximately 10:30 pm, armed men laid in wait for a convoy escorting a Chinese national from BUA Cement Company, Okpella. The convoy, comprising 12 personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), was attacked, resulting in the tragic deaths of eight NSCDC personnel and a civilian driver.

In a statement issued on Saturday by NSCDC, among the fallen heroes was Chief Corps Assistant Oluwatosin Sunday from the Ondo State Command, who was attached to the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) Department. The attackers also kidnapped the Chinese national, leaving the NSCDC and security agencies with the urgent task of rescuing the victim.

The aftermath of the attack saw three injured personnel receiving medical treatment, while the remains of the nine deceased were deposited in the mortuary. The NSCDC described the incident as a “grievous loss” and extended condolences to the families of the deceased, their colleagues, and the entire NSCDC family.

“We deeply mourn this grievous loss and commiserate with the families of the deceased, their colleagues, and the entire NSCDC family,” the NSCDC stated. “We salute the gallantry of our officers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives, national assets, and infrastructure.”

The NSCDC, in collaboration with sister security agencies, has intensified efforts to rescue the kidnapped Chinese national and bring the perpetrators to justice. The public has been assured that everything is being done to apprehend the perpetrators and rescue the victim.

The NSCDC concluded with a poignant message: “May the souls of our gallant officers rest in peace.” The incident serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by security personnel in the line of duty and the need for continued support and vigilance in ensuring national security.