A soldier was yesterday killed, another injured and some villagers allegedly kidnapped after gunmen attacked an Ogun community.
The incident occurred at Karanla in the Magbon Etido area of Mowe, Ogun State.
The attackers, suspected to be kidnappers, were said to have shot the soldier at a private dredging site where he was providing security.
Sources alleged that they had attempted to kidnap an expatriate at the site who narrawly escaped but other workers there were not that fortunate.
According to Mowe/Ibafo community on X, the criminals, allegedly abducted many residents in Karanla community before they were confronted by the soldiers.
Sadly, one of the soldiers was killed during exchange of gunfire while another one sustained injuries, posted the page which shared video evidence of the incident.
It was gathered that reinforcement was immediately deployed to the area to restore normalcy.
Sources alleged that some of the kidnapped victims escaped from the criminals during exchange of gunfire with security forces, while efforts were intensified to track the culprits and rescue remaining hostages.
The incident caused panic in the area with residents alleging that it was suspected bandits that invaded the community.
But the Ogun State Police Command in a statement last night, dispelled the claim, describing the incident as an isolated criminal attack.
A statement by the spokesman for the command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi said the injured soldier was receiving treatment, adding that security operatives responded swiftly to the incident, with police and military personnel launching a joint operation to track down and arrest those responsible.
‘The security incident recorded at a private dredging site in Magbon Etido, Mowe, was an isolated criminal attack and not a bandit operation as being speculated in some quarters.
‘Following the report, police operatives, in collaboration with the military, swiftly mobilised to the area and commenced coordinated operations to apprehend those responsible.
‘Preliminary findings do not indicate any connection between the incident and banditry activities in Ogun State. Investigations and tactical operations remain ongoing,’ he said.
The police assured residents that the situation had been brought under control, noting that security presence in the area had been reinforced to prevent further attacks.
The command urged members of the public to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities, assuring that efforts were underway to apprehend the attackers and ensure the safety of residents.