Gunmen Kill Soldier, Injure Another During Ogun Kidnap Attempt

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Monday killed a soldier and injured another while attempting to abduct a man in the Magbon-Etido area of Mowe, Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Naija News reports that the incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Monday.

A viral video seen by Punch showed a vehicle conveying what appeared to be the body of a military officer, with about four other people inside the vehicle.

A message attached to the video claimed that bandits had invaded Magbon around Mowe and killed two soldiers.

A young man in the video was also heard saying in Yoruba, “Won ti pa soja,” meaning, “They have killed a soldier.”

A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity with Punch because of the sensitive nature of the incident, said the gunmen stormed the area in a commando-style operation and attempted to kidnap a man.

The source said the soldiers intervened, but the attackers opened fire on them.

“I was not around when it happened. What I gathered was that the gunmen wanted to kidnap a man in the area, and the soldiers intervened.

“It was during the shoot-out between the soldiers and the kidnappers that one of the soldiers was shot dead while another sustained injuries,” the source said.

Another resident also said the soldiers were attacked while trying to foil the kidnapping attempt.

“They wanted to kidnap a man, and the soldiers tried to intervene but were shot by the kidnappers. One of the soldiers was killed and another was injured,” the source said.

‘Not Bandit Attack’

A security source confirmed the killing of the soldier but said the incident was not a bandit attack as speculated by some residents and social media users.

“Yes, it happened, but it is not a bandit attack. One security personnel was killed while another was injured. The security operatives are dealing with the situation,” the source said.

A viral voice note attributed to one Jimoh Owolabi, who claimed to be the Chairman of the Ajumoni Community Development Council, also dismissed claims that bandits had invaded the community.

Owolabi said the incident was a kidnapping attempt involving a sand miner popularly known as Kapo.

He said, “My name is Jimoh Owolabi, Chairman, Area CDC, Ajumoni Progressive Area CDC. I heard that there were bandits in Magbon; it is fake news.

“There are no bandits in Magbon. It was kidnappers who came to attack a sand miner who is popularly called Kapo. It was during the attack that a security personnel attached to the man was killed while another was injured.

“We already have all the security agencies, the police, the army, and everyone around our community, so people should stop spreading fake news.”

Police Confirm Soldier’s Death

The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the killing in a statement issued on Monday by its Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi.

Babaseyi said the incident was a criminal attack and not connected to banditry.

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

“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.”

The police said security had been reinforced in the area and urged residents not to panic.

“The command assures residents that the situation is under control, security presence has been reinforced, and there is no cause for alarm,” Babaseyi added.