Gunmen Kill Two Policemen, Abduct Chinese & Nigerian Worker At Kwara Mining Site

The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed that two of its officers were killed by gunmen at a mining site in Oreke-Okeigbo, Ifelodun Local Government Area.

It was gathered that a Chinese national and a Nigerian worker were kidnapped around 6:30 pm on Wednesday when the gunmen stormed the site, opening fire and killing an Assistant Superintendent of Police and an Inspector.

Both officers were attached to the 45 Police Mobile Force unit based in Abuja and were assigned to protect the facility. The attackers also made away with the rifles of the fallen officers.

In a statement released on Thursday, police spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, speaking on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, described the attack as tragic and unprovoked.

The statement reads, “The Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Police confirms a deadly attack and abduction incident that occurred on 4th June, 2025, at about 1830hrs. This heinous act was done at a mining site located in Oreke-Okeigbo of the state.

“Information received from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Oreke indicates that a group of unidentified armed assailants invaded the said mining facility, where they tragically shot and killed two operatives of the Nigeria Police Force — ASP Haruna Watsai and Inspector Tukur Ogah — both attached to 45 PMF, Abuja, who were on official protective assignment at the location. The attackers also carted away the rifles of the deceased officers.

“In addition to the heinous killings, the assailants abducted two individuals: Mr. Sam Xie Wie, a Chinese national, and Mr. David Adenaiye, a native of Kogi State who was working at the mining site at the time of the incident.”

CP Adekimi Ojo condemned the killings and said a full-scale investigation and rescue operation had already been launched.

He assured the public that tactical units and intelligence teams were actively working to locate the victims and bring the attackers to justice.

“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 attack.

“The command is working in close synergy with other security agencies and community stakeholders to strengthen its presence in the area and prevent a recurrence of such incidents,” the statement added.

The police urged the public to remain calm and assist law enforcement with any useful information that could help with the ongoing operation.

“Residents of Kwara State are urged to remain calm and law-abiding, as the command remains fully committed to the protection of lives and property across the state.

“We appeal to members of the public to provide credible and timely information that could aid the ongoing investigation and recovery efforts,” the statement concluded.