Tragedy in Kwara: Gunmen K!ll Two Police Officers, Abduct Chinese and Nigerian Workers at Oreke-Okeigbo Mining Site
In a disturbing and tragic incident that has shaken the people of Kwara State and the entire country, the Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the brutal killing of two police officers and the kidnapping of two workers — a Chinese national and a Nigerian — during a violent armed attack on a mining site.
The attack occurred at Oreke-Okeigbo, a community located in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, on the evening of Wednesday, June 4, 2025, around 6:30 p.m. This mining site, like many others across Nigeria, is one of several areas targeted by criminal gangs due to its economic value and remote location.
Gunmen Launch Deadly Attack on Mining Site in Ifelodun LGA
According to police reports, a group of unidentified heavily armed gunmen stormed the mining site, opening fire on security personnel posted there. In the ensuing violence, two officers of the Nigeria Police Force were gunned down in cold blood.
The victims were identified as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Haruna Watsai and Inspector Tukur Ogah. Both officers were attached to the 45 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Abuja, and had been deployed to protect lives and property at the mining facility.
The gunmen, after shooting the two officers dead, also stole their service rifles — an act that adds a dangerous dimension to the crime, as those weapons could now be used to carry out further attacks or criminal activities.
Kidnapping of Chinese and Nigerian Workers
In addition to the murder of the two police officers, the attackers also abducted two workers at the site. One of them is a Chinese national identified as Mr. Sam Xie Wie, and the second is a Nigerian man from Kogi State, named Mr. David Adenaiye.
Both men were reportedly on duty at the mining site when the gunmen struck. Their current whereabouts remain unknown, and fears are growing over their safety as the days pass.
Police Condemn “Heinous” Crime, Promise Swift Action
The Kwara State Police Command, in a press statement released by its Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, described the incident as “heinous” and vowed that those responsible would not go unpunished.
“In addition to the heinous killings, the assailants abducted two individuals: Mr. Sam Xie Wie, a Chinese national, and Mr. David Adenaiye, a Nigerian from Kogi State, both of whom were working at the site during the attack,” the statement read.
Tactical Response and Multi-Agency Collaboration Underway
The Police Command has assured the public that tactical and intelligence-based operations are already in motion to track down the perpetrators and secure the release of the kidnapped individuals. Commissioner Adekimi Ojo emphasized that the police are not working alone — they are collaborating with other security agencies including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, and local vigilante groups to intensify efforts across the affected area.
“The command remains fully committed to the protection of lives and property across the state,” SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi said. “We appeal to residents to remain calm and law-abiding and to provide credible and timely information that can support the ongoing investigation and rescue mission.”
A Grim Reminder of Nigeria’s Worsening Security Challenges
This incident highlights the worsening security situation in Nigeria, particularly in rural and economically important areas like mining sites. Attacks on police officers and the kidnapping of expatriates and local workers have become alarmingly frequent, especially in states like Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Zamfara, and Kaduna.
The killing of two police officers in active service is not just a crime against the state — it is a direct assault on Nigeria’s justice and security institutions. The stolen rifles and the abduction of workers further reflect a dangerous pattern of well-coordinated criminal operations targeting weak points in the nation’s security infrastructure.
Public Reaction and Fear Among Locals
Locals in the Oreke-Okeigbo area have expressed shock, fear, and anger following the attack. Many residents now live in fear of similar attacks, with some even considering relocating from the community for their safety. Community leaders have called for the immediate deployment of more security personnel to the area and the installation of surveillance infrastructure.
An Oreke community leader who chose to remain anonymous told NaijaRush:
“This is not the first time we are seeing suspicious movements in this area. We have complained before, but this level of violence is terrifying. Two policemen killed and people kidnapped — what else do these criminals want? We need help.”
Mining Sites as a New Target for Armed Gangs
Mining sites across Nigeria are becoming increasingly attractive to criminal gangs, not just for the resources they offer, but also because of their remoteness and lack of security. With Nigeria’s vast mineral wealth — gold, lithium, tin, and others — poorly regulated in many areas, these sites have turned into hotspots for banditry, illegal mining, and kidnapping.
The attack in Kwara underscores the urgent need for the government to revise and strengthen the security protocol around such high-value economic zones. More structured public-private security partnerships are also needed, especially where foreign nationals are involved.
Government and Security Agencies Must Step Up
While the Police Command’s response and promises of action are commendable, there is a growing demand from Nigerians for visible and decisive security operations. The government must prioritize the rescue of the abducted individuals and the prosecution of the attackers.
Furthermore, protecting security operatives must be a national priority. When police officers are not safe, then no one is. The sacrifice of ASP Haruna Watsai and Inspector Tukur Ogah must not be in vain.
What Can Citizens Do?
The Kwara State Police Command has urged citizens to cooperate fully with ongoing investigations. Members of the public with any credible information regarding suspicious persons or activities in the area are encouraged to report to the nearest police station or call emergency numbers provided by the authorities.
“We appeal to residents to remain calm and law-abiding and to provide credible and timely information that can support the ongoing investigation and rescue mission,” SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi reiterated.
Conclusion: A Call for Justice and Security
The killing of two brave police officers and the abduction of two innocent workers is a national tragedy. It is a wake-up call to the government, security agencies, and the Nigerian public. It reminds us all that safety is not just a luxury — it is a right, and it must be protected at all costs.
As Nigerians mourn the loss of ASP Haruna Watsai and Inspector Tukur Ogah, our thoughts are also with the families of Mr. Sam Xie Wie and Mr. David Adenaiye, and we hope for their safe and speedy return.
