Some gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Monday killed a soldier and injured another while trying to abduct a man in Magbon‑Etido, Mowe, Ogun State. The PUNCH gathered the attack happened in the early hours.
A viral video seen by our correspondent showed a vehicle carrying what looked like the soldier’s corpse, soaked in blood, and about four other people inside. A message with the clip read, “bandits are now in Magbon around Mowe, they have killed two soldiers,” and a young man in the video said in Yoruba, “Won ti pa soja.”
A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the gunmen came in a commando‑style raid and the soldiers intervened. “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.”
Another local source gave the same account. A security source also confirmed a soldier was killed and another injured but insisted the attackers were not bandits: “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.”
A viral voice note by one Jimoh Owolabi, who said he is Chairman of Ajumoni CDC, likewise denied banditry: “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.
Our correspondent could not independently verify Jimoh’s identity. The 35 Artillery Brigade asked for time to issue an official statement, which had not arrived by 9:50pm.
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the soldier’s death. PPRO Oluseyi Babaseyi 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 commenced coordinated operations to apprehend those responsible. “Preliminary findings do not indicate any connection between the incident and banditry activities in Ogun State. Investigations and tactical operations remain ongoing.” He added, “The command assures residents that the situation is under control, security presence has been reinforced, and there is no cause for alarm.”
