Suspected kidnappers have allegedly killed a soldier and injured another while attempting to kidnap a man in the Magbon-Etido area of Mowe in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Penpushing reports that a viral video with a message indicating that bandits were within the axis of the incident showed a vehicle conveying corpse believe to be military personnel soaked in blood, with about four other people inside the vehicle.
“Bandits are now in Magbon around Mowe, they have killed two soldiers,” while a young man in the video was also heard saying in Yoruba, “Won ti pa soja,” which literally means, “They have killed a soldier’, the message read
Penpushing further reports that sources said the incident occurred on Monday, stating that the gunmen had stormed the area in a commando-style operation and attempted to kidnap a man, prompting an intervention by some soldiers.
The source added that, though he wasn’t around when the incident happened but was informed that the gunmen opened fire on the soldiers, leading to the death of one of the officers, while another sustained injuries.
“I was not around when it happened. What I gathered was that the gunmen wanted to kidnap a man in the area and the soldiers intervened. It was during the shoot-out between the soldiers and the kidnappers that one of the soldiers was shot dead while another sustained injuries’, he said
Penpushing also reports that another source within the area explained that the soldiers were attempting to foil a kidnapping attempt when they were shot by the suspects, leading to death of a soldier
“They wanted to kidnap a man and the soldiers tried to intervene but were shot by the kidnappers. One of the soldiers was killed and another was injured,” the source said.
Penpushing reports that a security source who preferred anonymity confirmed the killing of the soldier but declined to provide further details on the incident, however, clarified that the attackers were not bandits, as speculated by residents and social media users.
“Yes, it happened, but it is not a bandit attack. One security personnel was killed while another was injured. The security operatives are dealing with the situation’, the security source stated
Penpushing further reports that a viral voice notes reportedly made by one Jimoh Owolabi, who claimed to be the Chairman of the Ajumoni Community Development Council, equally stated that the incident was not a bandit attack but a kidnapping incident involving a sand miner popularly known as Kapo.
“My name is Jimoh Owolabi, Chairman, Area CDC, Ajumoni Progressive Area CDC. I heard that there were bandits in Magbon; it is fake news.There are no bandits in Magbon. It was kidnappers who came to attack a sand miner who is popularly called Kapo’.
‘It was during the attack that a security personnel attached to the man was killed while another was injured. We already have all the security agencies, the police, the army, and everyone around our community, so people should stop spreading fake news,” Jimoh narrated in Yoruba.
Penpushing also reports that the spokesperson for the 35 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Alamala, Major Idereghi Samuel, when contacted for reactions promised to send to send official statement
The Ogun State Police Command, in a statement by the Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the killing of the soldier, however, clarified that the incident was not connected to banditry but a criminal attack.
“Regrettably, a soldier on security duty lost his life during the incident, while another sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment. 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.
“Preliminary findings do not indicate any connection between the incident and banditry activities in Ogun State. Investigations and tactical operations remain ongoing’, Babaseyi added
Penpushing reports that the command as at the time of filing this report assured residents of the state that the situation was under control while adding that security had been reinforced in the area.
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