The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the death of five people, including a soldier, following an attack at Magbon Etido in Mowé, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta, the command’s spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, described the incident as “an isolated criminal attack and not a bandit operation as being speculated in some quarters”.
According to him, a soldier on security duty was killed during the attack, while another sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment.
Babaseyi said four persons were abducted by the attackers during the incident. He explained that police operatives, working alongside the military and other security agencies, immediately launched coordinated search-and-rescue operations.
“One of the abducted victims was rescued, while the remains of the other three victims were later recovered,” he said.
He added that a local hunter assisting security operatives in the rescue mission also lost his life during an encounter with the fleeing attackers.
The police spokesperson noted that sustained pressure from the joint security team led to the killing of one of the suspects, while efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest 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.
Babaseyi maintained that preliminary investigations showed no evidence linking the incident to banditry activities, stressing that it remained an isolated criminal attack.
“Preliminary findings do not indicate any connection between the incident and banditry activities. Investigations and tactical operations remain ongoing.
“The Command assures residents that the situation is under control, security presence has been reinforced, and there is no cause for alarm.”