CITIZENS COMPASS— Suspected armed bandits have reportedly killed a soldier around Mowe-Ibafo, Obafemi-Owode Local Government, Ogun State.
Reports said four other persons made up of uniform men and civilians were sent to their early graves.
The incident occurred yesterday, at a private dredging site in Magbon Etido, Mowe area.
Eye witnesses’ accounts said the incident occurred in the early hours.
An eye witness, Oladele Atinwo said he was around the axis to check an old time friend when the sounds of gunshots were heard: I was in that axis to check an old time friend. The information I gathered was that the attackers traced an expatriate to the site for a kidnap attempt.
Those killed were meant to provide security at the site unfortunately they met their untimely death.
Atinwo said the Divisional Police Officer of Mowe alongside top Military officers have since visited the scene.
A video of the incident shared on social media captured the body of a soldier dressed in camouflage being evacuated in a pick-up van, alongside some other bodies.
Confirming the incident on Tuesday, spokesman, 35 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Major Idereghi Samuel Akari, in a statement, said, gunmen ambushed a joint security responding to a distress call in an attempt to kidnap Chinese expatriates working at the dredging site.
According to Akari, a fierce exchange of fire ensued, during which one of the attackers was neutralized.
He said: The four hostages were later killed by the fleeing attackers before they escaped through the river channel with a boat. One of the hostages that escaped narrated how the assailants took the body of their dead colleague along with them.
Regrettably, a soldier lost his life during the encounter, while another soldier and two police officers sustained gunshot injuries.
The deceased soldier and the recovered bodies of the hostages have been deposited at the mortuary of the General Hospital, Sagamu. The injured personnel are currently receiving medical attention.
Clarifying the attack, spokesperson, Ogun State Police Command, Oluseyi Babaseyi, in a statement said: The Ogun State Police Command wishes to clarify that the security incident recorded at a private dredging site in Magbon Etido, Mowe, was an isolated criminal attack and not a bandit operation as is being speculated in some quarters.
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 mobilized 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 Command assures residents that the situation is under control, security presence has been reinforced, and there is no cause for alarm.
Expatiating further, Babaseyi said: The attackers abducted four persons during the incident. Police operatives, in collaboration with the Military and other security stakeholders, immediately launched coordinated search-and-rescue operations. One of the abducted victims was rescued, while the remains of the other three victims were later recovered.
During the bush-combing exercise, a local hunter supporting the operation lost his life in an encounter with the fleeing criminals. The Command extends its condolences to his family.
Sustained tactical pressure by the joint security team led to the neutralization of one of the suspects, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the gang. The incident remains an isolated criminal attack.
