The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that five people, including a soldier and a local hunter, were killed during a deadly attack at a private dredging site in Magbon Etido, Mowe, in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the state.
Police authorities, however, insisted that the incident was an isolated criminal attack and not an act of banditry, dismissing speculation circulating in some quarters.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said one soldier on security duty was killed during the attack, while another sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
“Regrettably, a soldier on security duty lost his life during the incident, while another sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment,” Babaseyi said.
According to the police, the attackers abducted four people during the assault, prompting an immediate joint search-and-rescue operation involving police officers, military personnel and other security agencies.
Babaseyi said one of the kidnapped victims was rescued, while the bodies of the remaining three abductees were later recovered.
“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,” he said.
“One of the abducted victims was rescued, while the remains of the other three victims were later recovered.”
The police spokesman added that a local hunter assisting security operatives during a bush-combing operation was also killed while pursuing the fleeing suspects.
“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,” he stated.
The command said security forces responded swiftly after receiving reports of the attack and launched coordinated operations to track down those responsible.
Authorities revealed that sustained pressure from the joint security team led to the killing of one suspect, while efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the criminal gang.
“He sustained tactical pressure by the joint security team led to the neutralisation of one of the suspects, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the gang,” the statement noted.
The police stressed that preliminary investigations had found no evidence linking the attack to organised banditry activities.
“Preliminary findings do not indicate any connection between the incident and banditry activities. Investigations and tactical operations remain ongoing,” Babaseyi said.
He assured residents that security had been reinforced in the area and urged the public to remain calm.
“The Command assures residents that the situation is under control, security presence has been reinforced, and there is no cause for alarm,” he added.
