A soldier was killed and another injured when suspected gunmen attacked a private dredging site in Magbon Etido community, Mowe area of Ogun State, triggering a security operation by police and military authorities.
The assailants were also reported to have abducted several residents of nearby Karanla community before moving to the dredging facility, where they allegedly attempted to kidnap an expatriate worker.
Sources familiar with the incident said the expatriate narrowly escaped, while security personnel deployed to the area engaged the attackers in a gun battle.
Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Command said one soldier attached to security duties at the site lost his life during the attack, while another sustained injuries and is receiving medical treatment.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the command described the incident as an isolated criminal attack rather than an act of banditry.
According to the police, officers and military personnel swiftly responded to reports of the attack and launched a coordinated operation to track down those responsible.
“Following the report, police operatives, in collaboration with the military, swiftly mobilized to the area and commenced coordinated operations to apprehend those responsible,” the statement said.
The command noted that preliminary investigations had not revealed any links between the attack and bandit groups, adding that investigations and tactical operations were continuing.
Police authorities also assured residents that security had been reinforced in the affected communities and urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant.
“The situation is under control and there is no cause for alarm,” the command stated.
Security agencies have intensified efforts to apprehend the attackers and rescue any victims who may still be in captivity.
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