A soldier has been killed and another injured after gunmen launched an attack at a private dredging site in Magbon Etido community, Mowe, in Ogun State.
The incident, which has raised security concerns in the area, reportedly occurred after armed assailants targeted the facility and allegedly attempted to kidnap an expatriate working at the site.
According to reports, the expatriate narrowly escaped the attack, while several residents of the nearby Karanla community were reportedly abducted before security forces engaged the attackers.
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident on Monday, describing it as an isolated criminal attack rather than an act linked to banditry.
In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, police said one soldier on security duty lost his life during the confrontation with the gunmen.
“Regrettably, a soldier on security duty lost his life during the incident, while another sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment,” the statement said.
The police spokesperson disclosed that security agencies responded immediately after receiving reports of the attack. He said police operatives and military personnel launched a joint operation in the area to track down those responsible.
“Following the report, police operatives, in collaboration with the military, swiftly mobilized to the area and commenced coordinated operations to apprehend those responsible,” Babaseyi stated.
He added that preliminary investigations have not established any connection between the attack and bandit activities, contrary to speculation circulating in some quarters.
“Preliminary findings do not indicate any connection between the incident and banditry activities. Investigations and tactical operations remain ongoing,” he said.
The police command assured residents that the security situation has been brought under control, with additional personnel deployed to the area to prevent further attacks.
Authorities also urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could assist ongoing investigations and the manhunt for the attackers.
