There was tension in Kwara State on Wednesday evening following a deadly attack at a mining site in Oreke-Oke-Igbo, located in the Ifelodun Local Government Area. Gunmen shot and killed two mobile policemen and kidnapped a Chinese national along with a Nigerian worker.
The victims, ASP Haruna Watsai and Inspector Tukur Ogah, were on official duty providing security at the mining site. Both officers were attached to the 45 Police Mobile Force (PMF) in Abuja.
The police have identified the abducted persons as Mr. Sam Xie Wie, a Chinese expatriate, and Mr. David Adenaiye, a Nigerian from Kogi State. Both men were reportedly working at the site when the attack occurred around 6:30 p.m.
Locals say the attackers, believed to have been tracking the movements of the Chinese worker and his security detail, approached from behind and opened fire without warning. The gunmen also took away the rifles of the fallen officers after the ambush.
The Kwara State Police Command, in a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the incident and described it as a “heinous and cowardly attack.”
The statement reads: “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 carried out at a mining site located in Oreke-Oke-Igbo in the Ifelodun LGA of the state.”
“Unidentified armed men stormed the site, killing two officers—ASP Haruna Watsai and Inspector Tukur Ogah—who were on official assignment from 45 PMF, Abuja. The attackers also stole their service rifles.”
According to the statement, the criminals abducted two staff members of the mining company, Mr. Sam Xie Wie and Mr. David Adenaiye.
The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, has condemned the attack and assured the public that all security agencies are working together to track down the perpetrators and rescue the kidnapped victims.
“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 act,” the police said.
The Command also promised to boost security around the area and prevent any similar attacks in the future. Community members have been urged to stay calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information.
“We appeal to the public to give timely and credible information to aid the investigation and recovery efforts. The safety and security of lives and property remain our top priority,” the police assured.
Wednesday’s attack adds to the growing list of violent incidents targeting mining operations in Nigeria, particularly in remote and poorly secured areas. Several Chinese nationals have been kidnapped in the past, mostly in the North-Central and North-Western regions of the country where illegal mining and banditry often overlap.
Analysts have warned that the presence of foreign nationals and valuable resources in these areas makes them a frequent target for kidnappers and criminal gangs.
As of the time of filing this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and the whereabouts of the abducted individuals remain unknown.
The police say updates will be provided as the investigation continues. Meanwhile, residents of Oreke-Oke-Igbo and surrounding communities are living in fear and have appealed for urgent government intervention.
Kwara State, in Nigeria’s North-Central region, has seen a rise in mining activities over the years, attracting both local and foreign investors. However, poor infrastructure and limited security presence have made some of these sites vulnerable to violent crimes. The police and other security agencies have been under pressure to respond more effectively to such threats, particularly as Nigeria continues to battle widespread insecurity across several fronts.
