Six killed as attempt to kidnap Chinese workers turns bloody in Ogun

The Nigerian Army says one soldier, four hostages and a kidnapper were killed in a fierce gunbattle between troops and a gang of gunmen attempting to abduct Chinese expatriates at Magbon Village in the Mowe area of Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State on Monday.

This was revealed in a statement by by Maj. Idereghi Akari, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 35 Artillery Brigade, disclosed in Abeokuta on Tuesday.

Akari said the bloody encounter followed response by a joint security team to a distress call from a dredging site where expatriate workers were carrying out operations.

But the joint team was ambushed by armed men suspected to be kidnappers, leading to a fierce gun battle.

He said the gunmen used the abducted workers of the site as shield during the encounter.

“One of the suspected kidnappers was neutralised during the exchange, while others retreated through nearby forest routes toward the Ogun River.

“The attackers reportedly took five hostages as human shields while escaping from pursuing security operatives deployed as reinforcement.

“Four of the hostages were later killed by the fleeing gunmen before they escaped through a river channel using a boat.

“Surviving hostage reportedly informed security personnel that the attackers also took away the body of their dead accomplice,” he said.

He added that the operation recorded casualties among security personnel, with one soldier killed during the encounter.

He said that another soldier and two police officers sustained gunshot injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.

He added that the remains of the slain soldier and recovered hostages had been deposited at the General Hospital mortuary in Sagamu.

Akari added that security agencies had intensified patrols and surveillance across the area to prevent further security breaches and restore public confidence.

He also reiterated the army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property through sustained collaboration with other security agencies in the state. (NAN)