The Commissioner of Police in Edo, Mr Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives.
Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.
Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished,” the commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo command of the NSCDC.
He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”
“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice,” Agbonika said.
In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.
“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area,” he said.
Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.
“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace,” he added.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.