Soldier killed, colleague wounded as gunmen attack security team in OgunA serving soldier was killed while another sustained gunshot injuries after armed assailants attacked a security team in the Mowe area of Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State on Monday.
The incident, which occurred at a private dredging site in Magbon Etido, sparked fear among residents and initially triggered speculation about the presence of bandits in the community.
A video that surfaced online showed the lifeless body of a soldier dressed in military camouflage being transported in a pick-up vehicle.
The footage also captured several security operatives and civilians gathered at the scene.
Confirming the attack, the Army Public Relations Officer of the 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala Barracks, Abeokuta, Major Samuel Idereghi, said military authorities were aware of the incident but were still compiling detailed reports.
“I have been informed about the occurrence, but comprehensive details are not yet available.
Information will be released once it is received,” he said.
The Ogun State Police Command later clarified that the attack was not connected to banditry activities, describing it as a criminal incident that occurred at the dredging facility.
In a statement issued on Monday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Omolola Odutola, the police disclosed that one soldier attached to security duties at the site lost his life during the attack, while another was injured and is currently receiving medical attention.
The statement noted that security agencies immediately launched a joint operation following reports of the incident.
“Police operatives, working in collaboration with the military, swiftly responded to the scene and have commenced coordinated efforts to track down and apprehend the perpetrators,” the statement read.
The command stressed that preliminary investigations had not revealed any evidence linking the attack to organised banditry in Ogun State.
According to the police, security deployment in the area has been strengthened, while tactical operations and investigations remain ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Ajumoni Progressive Area Community Development Council, Jimoh Owolabi, dismissed reports that bandits were behind the attack.
In an audio message circulated online, Owolabi alleged that the gunmen were kidnappers who had targeted a prominent sand miner popularly known as “Kapo.”
He claimed the attackers met resistance from security personnel attached to the businessman, leading to a gun battle during which one soldier was killed and another injured.
“There were no bandits in Magbon. The attackers were kidnappers who came for a sand miner known as Kapo.
Security operatives attached to him confronted them, and in the process, one officer was killed while another sustained injuries,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies were continuing efforts to identify and arrest those responsible for the attack.