Security agencies confirm incident in Magbon-Etido community as Army intervenes to foil abduction of sand miner

A soldier was killed and another injured after gunmen suspected to be kidnappers attacked Magbon-Etido community in Mowe, Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State in the early hours of Monday. The incident reportedly occurred when the assailants stormed the area to abduct a man identified as a sand miner, prompting intervention from military personnel.

Multiple sources in the community told our correspondent that the attackers arrived in a commando-style operation and attempted to kidnap their target before being confronted by soldiers. A shoot-out ensued, resulting in the death of one military officer and injuries to another. Residents circulated videos online showing a blood-soaked corpse of a soldier being transported with several others in a vehicle. In one clip, a young man is heard exclaiming in Yoruba: “Won ti pa soja” (translated: “They have killed a soldier”).

Security concerns have grown across South-West states, with Ogun State witnessing repeated abduction attempts along major roads and rural communities. The latest incident has heightened fears among residents, particularly as security operatives continue efforts to secure the area and prevent further attacks.

A security source who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed that while initial rumours described the attackers as bandits, investigations suggest it was strictly a kidnapping operation targeting a sand miner popularly called Kapo. “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.

Community leaders have urged government and security agencies to intensify patrols and intelligence gathering around Mowe and neighbouring settlements to safeguard lives and property. As at Monday evening, no group had claimed responsibility for the attack. Security operations were ongoing while authorities worked to ensure calm returned to Magbon-Etido.

Source: https://punchng.com/suspected-kidnappers-kill-soldier-injure-another-in-ogun/