BUA Mourns Fallen NSCDC Operatives in Okpella Attack, Pledges Justice and Stronger Security

Tragedy struck in Edo State on Friday, September 5, when armed assailants launched a deadly attack near the Okpella facility of BUA Cement Plc, killing eight operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and a civilian driver. The attack, which also led to the abduction of a foreign expatriate, has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed concerns about the safety of industrial zones across Nigeria.

In a statement issued over the weekend, BUA Group described the incident as “a painful reminder of the sacrifices borne daily by security personnel.” The company extended condolences to the bereaved families, the NSCDC, and the Government of Nigeria, while wishing injured officers a speedy recovery.

A Deadly Encounter

According to sources familiar with the incident, the assailants ambushed a security convoy providing escort near the Okpella plant. While four foreign expatriates were rescued unharmed, one was taken hostage, raising further alarm about the rising trend of targeted kidnappings in industrial corridors.

Eyewitnesses in the community told reporters that heavy gunfire rang out for several minutes, forcing nearby residents and workers to flee for safety. “We were shocked by the intensity of the attack,” one resident recounted. “The security men fought bravely, but the attackers were heavily armed.”

Company’s Response

BUA stressed that it is working closely with security agencies to secure the safe return of the abducted expatriate and to bring the perpetrators to justice. The company reiterated its commitment to the safety of its employees, partners, and host communities.

“The safety of our people, partners, and host communities remains paramount. This tragedy is a painful reminder of the sacrifices borne daily by our security personnel. Their courage will never be forgotten,” the statement read.

National Implications

The Okpella incident has raised urgent questions about the security architecture around Nigeria’s critical industries. Edo State, which hosts significant cement, mining, and industrial operations, has seen occasional flare-ups of violence in recent years, but Friday’s attack stands out for its scale and coordination.

Security analysts note that the killing of eight NSCDC operatives underscores the growing vulnerability of security escorts attached to private sector facilities. “It is a stark reminder that industrial operators are now high-value targets, and without stronger intelligence-driven responses, we will see more of this,” said one Abuja-based security consultant.

Government and NSCDC Reaction

The NSCDC has yet to release full details of the incident, but officials have confirmed the loss of personnel. A senior officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the attack as “a dark day for the Corps,” adding that the fallen operatives died “in the line of duty, protecting national assets.”

Beyond Condolences: The Policy Question

The incident highlights the broader challenge of securing Nigeria’s industrial zones at a time when the federal government is pushing for accelerated domestic manufacturing and foreign direct investment. Analysts warn that persistent security risks could undermine investor confidence and the operational safety of multibillion-naira projects.

“Every attack like this chips away at confidence in Nigeria’s industrial future,” one policy analyst noted. “We must move beyond reactionary deployments to building resilient, intelligence-led security frameworks around our critical infrastructure.”

A Call to Honour the Fallen

For BUA, the attack is not only a corporate security challenge but also a human tragedy. The company emphasized that the sacrifice of the NSCDC operatives will not be forgot

“This tragedy has left us shaken,” the management concluded. “But we stand resolute with the families, with the NSCDC, and with Nigeria. Their courage inspires us to redouble efforts to ensure such sacrifices are not in vain.”