Kwara : Suspected terrorists gun down 2 police escorts, kidnap Chinese national, other

Two officers of the Nigeria Police Force were shot dead and two civilians abducted in a deadly attack carried out by suspected terrorists at a mining site in Oreke-Oke-Igbo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The assault, which occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. on June 4, 2025, resulted in the abduction of a Chinese national, Mr. Sam Xie Wie, and his Nigerian associate, Mr. David Adenaiye, who hails from Kogi State.

According to initial reports, the attackers appeared to have detailed knowledge of the presence of security personnel at the site. Launching their assault from the rear, they overwhelmed the officers and opened fire.

The slain officers were identified as ASP Haruna Watsai and Inspector Tukur Ogah, both attached to the 45 Police Mobile Force (PMF) unit in Abuja.

After fatally shooting the officers, the assailants reportedly took their service rifles before fleeing with the two victims.

Confirming the incident, the Kwara State Police Command released a statement describing the attack as both “deadly” and “heinous.”

“The Kwara State Police Command confirms a deadly attack and abduction incident that occurred on June 4, 2025, at about 1830hrs. This heinous act was done at a mining site located in Oreke-Okeigbo in the Ifelodun local government area of the state.”

The statement, citing the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Oreke, said the attackers stormed the facility and fatally wounded the two officers assigned to protect workers on site.

“Information received from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Oreke indicates that a group of unidentified armed assailants invaded the said mining facility, where they tragically shot and killed two operatives of the Nigeria Police Force — ASP Haruna Watsai and Inspector Tukur Ogah, both attached to 45 PMF, Abuja, who were on official protective assignment at the location.

“The attackers also carted away the rifles of the deceased officers.”

It further confirmed the abduction of Mr. Xie Wie and Mr. Adenaiye during the same raid.

“In addition to the heinous killings, the assailants abducted two individuals: Mr. Sam Xie Wie, a Chinese national, and Mr. David Adenaiye, a native from Kogi State who was working at the mining site at the time of the incident.”

Reacting to the attack, the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Adekimi Ojo, denounced the killings and promised that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

“The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, Adekimi Ojo, strongly condemns this act of brutality and assures the public that the Command has since swung into decisive action.”

“Tactical and intelligence-driven efforts are currently underway to ensure the swift rescue of the abducted victims and the apprehension of those responsible for this cowardly attack.”

The command also emphasized collaboration with other security bodies and community leaders in order to restore calm and reinforce security in the region.

“The Command is working in close synergy with other security agencies and community stakeholders to strengthen its presence in the area and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.”

Residents were urged to maintain calm and assist investigators by providing helpful information.