Gunmen ∆mbush Chinese Company Convoy In Kogi, K!ll Soldier, ∆bduct Four Expatriates

The attack, which reportedly took place on Thursday, September 19, occurred at Saminaka, Ejiba area, when the assailants ambushed a convoy belonging to Vau & Co. Mining Company conveying Chinese engineers to a mining site.

Some gunmen have killed a soldier and abducted four Chinese expatriates in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

According to security sources, “In the attack, one soldier, a Private from 12 Brigade, Lokoja, was shot dead, while Inspector Jubril Mohammed of 45 PMF, Force Headquarters Abuja, sustained gunshot injury on his left arm.

“Four Chinese nationals identified as Mr. Zhou Dansu, Mr. Zhou Hai, Mr. Zhou Jiajun and Mr. Fan Xiuguo were abducted by the gunmen.”

Also, a counterinsurgency source, Zagazola Makama, added, “The injured police inspector is receiving treatment at the ECWA Hospital, Egbe, while his service rifle remains intact.”

Security operatives, including the police, the Nigerian Army, local vigilantes and hunters, have reportedly been mobilised to track down the attackers and rescue the captives unharmed.

The abduction of Chinese workers has become increasingly common in parts of Nigeria, particularly in areas hosting mining projects.

In June 2022, gunmen abducted four Chinese nationals at a mining site in Shiroro, Niger State, killing several soldiers and police officers during the attack.

Similarly, in April 2023, three Chinese miners were kidnapped in Ebonyi State, with their release secured days later after security forces intensified rescue operations.

Kogi State has also witnessed multiple security breaches in recent years, including attacks on mining companies and highways linking the state to neighbouring Kwara and Ekiti, raising concerns about the safety of expatriates and local residents working in remote communities.