By Ayomide Otitoju
The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the death of five persons, including a soldier and a local hunter, following an attack at a private dredging site in Magbon Etido, Mowe, in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Monday, the command’s spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, described the incident as an isolated criminal attack and dismissed speculation linking it to banditry activities.
According to the police, armed attackers invaded the area and abducted four persons during the incident.
“Regrettably, a soldier on security duty lost his life during the incident, while another sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment,” Babaseyi said.
He disclosed that police operatives, working alongside military personnel and other security agencies, immediately launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation following reports of the attack.
The operation led to the rescue of one of the abducted victims, while the bodies of the remaining three victims were later recovered.
Babaseyi further stated that a local hunter assisting security operatives during the bush-combing exercise was killed in an encounter with the fleeing suspects.
“The Command extends its condolences to his family,” he added.
The police spokesperson said sustained pressure from the joint security team resulted in the neutralisation of one of the suspected attackers, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang.
“Following the report, Police operatives, in collaboration with the Military, swiftly mobilised to the area and commenced coordinated operations to apprehend those responsible,” he said.
He noted that preliminary investigations had not established any link between the attack and banditry, stressing that the incident remained a criminal operation carried out by a gang of attackers.
“Preliminary findings do not indicate any connection between the incident and banditry activities. Investigations and tactical operations remain ongoing,” Babaseyi said.
The command assured residents that the situation had been brought under control, with security presence reinforced across the area.
“The Command assures residents that the situation is under control, security presence has been reinforced, and there is no cause for alarm,” the statement added.
