Ogun horror: Gunmen kill soldier, hunter, three kidnapped victims in daring attack

By Adejoke Adeleye

At least five persons, including a soldier and a local hunter, were killed following an attack by armed criminals on a private dredging site in Magbon Etido, Mowe, Ogun State, the Ogun State Police Command has confirmed.

The command also disclosed that four persons were abducted during the attack. While one of the victims was rescued alive during a joint security operation, the bodies of the remaining three abductees were later recovered.

In a statement, the police dismissed reports linking the incident to banditry, insisting that preliminary investigations indicate it was an isolated criminal attack.

According to the command, the attackers stormed the dredging site and engaged security personnel on duty, leading to the death of a soldier, while another soldier sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment.

Following a distress call, police operatives, working in collaboration with the military and other security agencies, launched a coordinated search-and-rescue mission to track down the assailants and secure the release of the kidnapped victims.

The operation led to the successful rescue of one abductee. However, the remains of the other three victims were later discovered, suggesting they were killed by their captors.

The police further revealed that a local hunter assisting security operatives during the bush-combing exercise was killed in an encounter with the fleeing criminals.

The command said sustained pressure mounted by the joint security team resulted in the neutralisation of one of the suspects, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang.

Ogun Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, stated that investigations so far had not established any connection between the incident and banditry activities, contrary to speculation in some quarters.

“The incident remains an isolated criminal attack,” the command said, adding that tactical operations and investigations were continuing.

The police assured residents of Mowe and surrounding communities that the situation had been brought under control and that security presence in the area had been reinforced to prevent any further attacks.

The command also commended the collaboration between the police, military and other security stakeholders in responding swiftly to the incident.

While extending condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, the police urged residents to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies with credible information that could aid the arrest of the fleeing suspects.