Gunmen Kill Soldier, Wound Another in Ogun State

Some gunmen believed to be kidnappers killed a soldier and injured another on Monday in the Magbon-Etido area of Mowe, Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, Ogun State.

This tragic event happened early on Monday.

A video that went viral showed a vehicle carrying what looked like the dead body of a soldier covered in blood, with about four other people inside.

A message with the video said, "bandits are now in Magbon around Mowe, they have killed two soldiers," while a young man in the video was heard saying in Yoruba, "Won ti pa soja," which means, "They have killed a soldier."

A community member spoke with our correspondent on Monday under the condition of anonymity. They said the gunmen came in a commando-style operation and tried to kidnap a man, which led to soldiers intervening.

The source explained that the attackers shot at the soldiers, resulting in one soldier's death and injuries to another.

"I was not around when it happened. What I heard was that the gunmen wanted to kidnap a man in the area and the soldiers intervened.

"During the shoot-out between the soldiers and the kidnappers, one soldier was killed while another was injured," the source said.

Another local said the soldiers were trying to stop the kidnapping when they were shot.

"They wanted to kidnap a man, and the soldiers tried to intervene but were shot by the kidnappers. One soldier was killed, and another was injured," the source added.

A security source also confirmed the soldier's death but did not give more details about the incident.

They clarified that the attackers were not bandits, as some people speculated.

"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 source said.

A voice note from Jimoh Owolabi, who said he is the Chairman of the Ajumoni Community Development Council, also claimed this was not a bandit attack.

He said the incident was about a kidnapping involving a sand miner known as Kapo.

Owolabi stated that one security personnel assigned to the sand miner was killed and another injured during the attack.

"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 called Kapo. It was during the attack that a security personnel attached to him was killed, and 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 said in Yoruba.

Our correspondent could not verify Jimoh's identity before this report was published.

When asked for a comment, Major Idereghi Samuel, the spokesperson for the 35 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, told our correspondent to wait for the official Army statement on the incident.

As of 9:50 PM, this statement had not yet been sent.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed the soldier's death in a statement on Monday by its Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi.

Babaseyi also stated that the incident was not linked to banditry but was a criminal attack.

The PPRO said, "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 began coordinated operations to catch those responsible.

"Preliminary findings do not show any connection between this incident and banditry in Ogun State. Investigations and tactical operations are ongoing."

He assured residents that the situation was under control and that security had been strengthened in the area.

"The command assures residents that the situation is under control, security presence has been reinforced, and there is no cause for alarm," he added.