KIDNAPPERS KILL SOLDIER, INJURE ANOTHER DURING ABDUCTION ATTEMPT IN OGUN

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

A suspected kidnapping operation in the Magbon-Etido area of Mowe, Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, turned deadly on Monday after gunmen killed a soldier and injured another during an attempted abduction.

According to sources, the incident occurred in the early hours of the day when armed men stormed the community in what residents described as a coordinated attack aimed at abducting a local businessman, popularly known as Kapo, a sand miner in the area.

Eyewitness accounts indicated that security personnel attached to the target attempted to intervene, leading to a gun battle between the soldiers and the attackers. During the exchange of gunfire, one soldier was fatally shot while another sustained injuries.

A viral video circulating online showed a vehicle carrying what appeared to be the body of the slain military officer, while messages accompanying the footage initially claimed that “bandits” had invaded the area and killed two soldiers.

However, local authorities and security agencies dismissed the reports of banditry, clarifying that the incident was linked to an attempted kidnapping.

A community source disclosed that residents fled for safety as the attack unfolded but stressed that the gunmen were targeting an individual rather than carrying out a wider assault on the community.

In a voice note circulated after the incident, a man identified as Jimoh Owolabi, who claimed to be Chairman of the Ajumoni Progressive Area Community Development Council, urged residents not to spread false information.

“There are no bandits in Magbon. It was kidnappers who attacked a sand miner. During the incident, a security officer attached to him was killed while another was injured,” he stated.

Confirming the development, the Ogun State Police Command said the attack was a criminal incident and not connected to banditry.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said security operatives, working alongside the military, had launched coordinated operations to track down those responsible.

“Regrettably, a soldier on security duty lost his life during the incident, while another sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment,” the statement read.

The police assured residents that the situation had been brought under control and that security presence had been strengthened across the area.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army is yet to issue an official statement on the incident.