Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
A soldier was killed and another injured during a failed kidnapping attempt in the Magbon-Etido area of Mowe, Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, prompting a joint security operation to track down the attackers.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, reportedly began when armed men attempted to abduct a resident identified by locals as a sand miner popularly known as Kapo.
Sources in the community said soldiers intervened to prevent the abduction, leading to a gun battle with the suspects. During the exchange of fire, one soldier was fatally shot while another sustained injuries.
Residents initially circulated reports on social media claiming that bandits had invaded the area and killed two soldiers. A viral video showed a blood-soaked military officer being transported in a vehicle, fueling panic among residents.
However, security authorities and community leaders dismissed the reports, clarifying that the attack was linked to a kidnapping operation and not a bandit invasion.
A community source said the gunmen carried out the operation in a commando-style manner before opening fire on security personnel who attempted to stop them.
Another resident familiar with the incident confirmed that the soldiers were responding to the attempted abduction when they came under attack from the kidnappers.
The Chairman of the Ajumoni Progressive Area Community Development Council, Jimoh Owolabi, also sought to calm fears, insisting there was no bandit presence in the community.
“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,” he said.
Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Command said one soldier lost his life while another is receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the attack.
Police spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, stated that security operatives immediately launched coordinated operations alongside military personnel to apprehend those responsible.
“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 command assured residents that the situation had been brought under control, adding that security had been strengthened across the area while efforts continue to track down the attackers.
