Pix: Commandant Agun

The People’s Security Monitor few hours after the gruesome murder of 8 operatives of the NSCDC in Edo State interviewed the Edo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Gbenga Agun, on the tragic event at Okpella, Edo State, last Friday night. In this exclusive interview conducted by the People’s Security Monitor Editor-in-Chief, Isiaka Mustapha, Commandant Agun speaks with deep emotion about the devastating incident, how it unfolded, the mandate of his operatives at the BUA Cement Factory, and the steps being taken to bring the perpetrators to justice. He also reflects on the challenges of securing difficult terrains, the loss suffered by the Corps, and the urgent lessons that must be learned to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Q: Can you please tell us the circumstances surrounding the killings of your eight operatives last Friday at Okpella in Edo State, as relayed to you?

A: What happened last Friday was a huge tragedy and a great loss, not only for the NSCDC but for the entire country, especially the security community. On that day, eight of our brave men fell to the bullets of criminals in Edo State. The sad incident took place at the BUA Cement Factory quarry around 10 p.m., shortly after operations had closed for the day.

After the junior staff had left, the expatriates mainly the Chinese, who are usually escorted by our operatives were being led to their residence. It was during this escort that the criminals suddenly opened fire. There was little our men could do because it was already dark; the area is a forest environment with difficult terrain.

In the process, eight of our operatives were shot dead, one Chinese national was abducted, while four other personnel and one civilian sustained varying degrees of injury.

Q: Could you tell us the actual nature of your operatives’ mandate at the BUA Cement Factory?

A: To start with, our primary responsibility was to protect the BUA Cement Factory and its affiliates in the area as major national assets. We are also duty-bound to ensure the safety of all the workers at the factory, both expatriates and indigenous staff. The expatriates mainly work at the quarry section of BUA Cement.

Q: Were there any survivors?

A: Yes, there were survivors. Four of our officers survived, as well as the driver. Although one Chinese national was kidnapped, four other Chinese were rescued by our operatives, and those who were taken to the hospital are responding to treatment. We have already launched an investigation, and I must stress that we are beginning to get useful leads.

Q: Has any group claimed responsibility for the killings?

A: No group has claimed responsibility. However, findings suggest that the area has long been notorious as a criminal hideout. There is also rivalry among landowners in the area over royalty payments. These disputes often lead to feuds, and that could also be a factor behind the attack.

Q: Would you agree with me that the tragic incident could be blamed on outright intelligence failure?

A: To be frank, I did not receive any intelligence report prior to the sad event, and even afterwards I have not received any. However, on our own, we have commenced investigations to get to the root of this crime. And let me assure you that we are working in strong synergy with other sister security agencies to get to the roots of the crime and bring all the perpetractors to justice.

Of course, we have also met with the management of BUA, and we have drawn up lines of action for them. We made it clear what measures they need to put in place to avert future occurrences and to restrategize with a view to solidifying security within and around the BUA premises..