National News – A soldier was killed and another injured during a suspected kidnapping operation in the Magbon-Etido area of Mowe, Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, reportedly happened when armed men attempted to abduct a resident, prompting an intervention by military personnel.
Sources in the community said the attackers engaged the soldiers in a gun battle, resulting in the death of one officer and injuries to another.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the gunmen stormed the area in a commando-style operation and opened fire when the soldiers attempted to foil the kidnapping.
Another source confirmed that the soldiers were trying to prevent the abduction when they came under attack.
A security source also confirmed the incident but dismissed reports circulating on social media that the attackers were bandits.
“One security personnel was killed while another was injured. Security operatives are handling the situation,” the source said.
A viral voice note attributed to the Chairman of the Ajumoni Community Development Council, Jimoh Owolabi, also maintained that the incident was a kidnapping attack targeting a sand miner popularly known as Kapo and not a bandit invasion.
According to the message, one of the security personnel attached to the sand miner was killed while another sustained injuries during the attack.
The identity of the community leader could not be independently verified.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the 35 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Major Idereghi Samuel Alamala, said an official statement on the incident would be issued by the Army.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed the killing of the soldier, describing the incident as a criminal attack unrelated to banditry.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, the command said a soldier on security duty lost his life, while another officer who sustained injuries was receiving treatment.
The police added that operatives, working alongside the military, had launched coordinated operations to apprehend those responsible.
According to the command, preliminary investigations do not suggest any connection between the attack and banditry activities in Ogun State.
The police further assured residents that the situation was under control, adding that security had been strengthened in the affected area.
