Armed Group Kills Two Officers and Abducts Chinese Expatriate in Kwara State

Heavily armed assailants attacked a mining site in Oreke-Oke, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, on Sunday evening, killing two police officers and abducting two workers, including a Chinese national.

Witnesses said the attackers struck around 6:30 pm, overwhelming site security and seizing their victims before withdrawing into the nearby forest.

The Kwara State Police Command later identified the slain officers as ASP Haruna Watsai and Inspector Tukur Ogah, both attached to the 45 Police Mobile Force Unit in Abuja. Their bodies were recovered at the scene and taken to the mortuary in Ilorin.

Police confirmed that among the two workers taken was Mr. Sam Xie Wie, a Chinese investor at the site, and Mr. David Adenaiye, a Nigerian labourer from Kogi State.

A statement by the command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun EjireAdeyemi, said the whereabouts of both men remain unknown as security agencies intensify search and rescue operations.

Security analyst Zagazola told reporters that the kidnappers are demanding a ransom of ₦1 billion for the release of the two hostages.

A senior police officer involved in the initial response, who asked not to be named, said a team of Chinese operatives arrived in Kwara State the same night.

“They came via Abuja and were escorted by a Divisional Crime Officer to Ilorin,” the officer explained. “Despite the late hour, they insisted on visiting the crime scene in Oreke forest to collect samples and observe the area.”

By the time the delegation returned to Ilorin, it was past midnight. The officer added that the Chinese team has since returned to China but has promised to come back once more information is available. Meanwhile, local police and military units continue to comb the forest and surrounding villages.

Repeated calls and messages to SP EjireAdeyemi seeking further comment were not returned by press time. Authorities have urged residents in Ifelodun and neighbouring LGAs to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to security forces.