Two police officers have been killed and two workers abducted following an attack by gunmen on a mining site in Oreke-Okeigbo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The incident happened around 6:30 pm on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, when the attackers stormed the site, opened fire on security personnel, and took away two individuals, a Chinese national and a Nigerian worker.
In a statement on Thursday, June 5, the Kwara State Police Command confirmed the killings and abductions, describing the attack as “heinous.”
“The Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Police confirms a deadly attack and abduction incident that occurred on 4th June, 2025, at about 1830hrs.
“This heinous act was done at a mining site located in Oreke-Okeigbo of the state,” said SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the Command’s spokesperson, who issued the statement on behalf of Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo.
Ejire-Adeyemi said the victims were officers of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the 45 Police Mobile Force, Abuja.
“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,” the statement said.
READ ALSO: VIDEO: Police Arrest Four Suspected Kidnappers, Recover N3m in Delta
She added that the gunmen abducted two workers during the attack: “Mr. Sam Xie Wie, a Chinese national, and Mr. David Adenaiye, a native of Kogi State who was working at the mining site at the time of the incident.”
CP Ojo condemned the killings and said the Command had launched an investigation and rescue operation.
“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,” he said.
The police also assured residents that security would be strengthened in the area to prevent further attacks.
“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 stay calm and assist security operatives.
“We appeal to members of the public to provide credible and timely information that could aid the ongoing investigation and recovery efforts,” the statement concluded.