Gunmen Strike Ogun Community, Kill Soldier and Abduct Residents

By Gloria Drealomalicha

A soldier has been killed following an attack by armed men at a private dredging site in Magbon Etido community, located in Mowe, Ogun State.

The incident, which has heightened concerns among residents, reportedly began when the assailants invaded nearby Karanla community, where they allegedly abducted several people before encountering security personnel.

According to reports, the gunmen had attempted to kidnap an expatriate working at the dredging site. The intended victim, however, narrowly escaped the attack.

Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Command described the assault as an isolated criminal act rather than an operation linked to organised bandit groups.

In a statement issued on Monday, the command’s spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said one soldier deployed to provide security at the site lost his life during the confrontation, while another sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.

“Regrettably, a soldier on security duty lost his life during the incident, while another sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment,” the statement said.

Babaseyi added that police operatives, working alongside military personnel, swiftly responded to the distress call and launched coordinated operations aimed at tracking down and arresting those responsible.

“Following the report, police operatives, in collaboration with the military, swiftly mobilised to the area and commenced coordinated operations to apprehend those responsible,” he said.

The police spokesperson noted that preliminary investigations have not established any connection between the attack and banditry activities, stressing that security agencies are continuing both investigative and tactical operations.

While reassuring residents, the police said security presence in the affected communities has been strengthened and that the situation remains under control.

Authorities urged members of the public to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities, assuring them that efforts are ongoing to bring the perpetrators to justice.