Suspected herdsmen on Tuesday killed a police officer and kidnapped three Chinese miners in Afewara, the hometown of Pastor Enoch Adeboye in Osun.

Peoples Gazette learnt in combat to abduct the Chinese, the criminals disarmed and killed one of the security officers in the community in Atakunmosa East Local Government Area. They subsequently seized three Chinese miners reportedly on the employment of Aare Gold.

It was unclear to the Gazette if other security personnel were injured during the attack.

Daily Independent reported that the abductors have demanded N500 million as ransom for the Chinese workers. 

The police in Osun denied knowledge of the incident, with spokeswoman Yemisi Opalolo telling the Gazette on Wednesday that she was trying to confirm it. 

Following the attack, locals said the Chinese in the community have threatened to pull out of ijesaland, accusing local vigilantes paid to ensure their safety of incompetence. 

The attack comes as tensions continue to rage across the Southwest over repeated attacks linked to herdsmen. The violence has also fueled anti-Fulani stereotypes in the region.