- Safiu Kehinde
A gang of kidnappers has reportedly kidnapped a Chinese miner identified as Sam Xie Wie while killing two policemen in Kwara State.
The kidnappers had abducted the expatriate alongside one David Adenaiye at a mining site in Oreke-Okeigbo community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.
Confirming the development in a statement issued on Thursday, the Kwara State Police Command’s spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, diclosed that incident occurred around 6.30 pm on Wednesday, when the gunmen launched an attack on the facility.
The two officers killed were identified as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Haruna Watsai and Inspector Tukur Ogah who were both attached to the 45 Police Mobile Force, Abuja.
“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.” the statement read in part.
While condemning the attack, the state Police Commissioner, Adekimi Ojo, according to the statement, disclosed that the command had launched a full-scale investigation and rescue operation.
The police urged residents to remain calm and continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information.
“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,
“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 added.