Six Killed, Communities Deserted After Foiled Abduction in Ogun

Fear and uncertainty have forced many residents of Fowowawo, Ajerogun, and Magbon-Etido communities in Ogun State's Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area to abandon their homes after a failed kidnapping operation left at least six people dead. A visit to the affected communities revealed a noticeable decline in daily activities, with several homes and businesses locked up as residents sought safety elsewhere. The tension follows an attack on a dredging site on Monday by suspected kidnappers who reportedly attempted to abduct a Chinese expatriate working in the area. The operation was unsuccessful but resulted in multiple casualties. The Ogun State Police Command confirmed that a soldier, a local hunter, and four other individuals lost their lives during the incident. Police also disclosed that one of the suspected kidnappers was killed during a gun battle with security operatives. Residents who remained behind said fears of another attack have continued to dominate discussions within the communities. According to locals, the area experienced a similar kidnapping incident about three years ago, during which victims were reportedly released after a ransom was paid. Concerns have also been raised about the poor state of the road connecting the communities to Ofada, where the nearest police post is located. Residents say the deplorable condition of the road slows emergency response efforts and leaves the communities vulnerable during security crises. One resident, who claimed to have participated in the local hunters' response team, recounted how the incident unfolded. According to him, local hunters initially believed they were responding to a dispute among workers at the dredging site. However, upon arrival, they unknowingly walked into an ambush allegedly set by the armed attackers. He explained that the group attempted to alert one another by firing warning shots into the air, but the gunmen responded with heavy gunfire, forcing many of them to flee. The resident alleged that security reinforcements arrived several hours after the attack had begun, by which time one of the local hunters had already been killed. Community leaders believe the attackers targeted a Chinese national working at the dredging facility but encountered resistance due to the presence of security personnel assigned to guard the site.

The Baale of Ajerogun Community, Nurudeen Salisu, said the attack disrupted what had started as a peaceful day. According to him, the armed men opened fire after discovering that soldiers were stationed at the facility. One soldier was killed, another sustained injuries, and four individuals, including workers and a trader, were reportedly taken away by the attackers. Salisu said neighbouring communities were immediately alerted in an effort to intercept the fleeing gunmen. However, the confrontation reportedly resulted in additional fatalities. He revealed that one of the victims who escaped identified the attackers as suspected Fulani gunmen. He also claimed that one of the kidnappers was injured during an exchange of fire with security personnel before being killed by his own accomplices. While commending the efforts of security agencies, the traditional ruler noted that inadequate equipment and poor road infrastructure hampered response operations. He called on the government to strengthen security presence in rural communities and improve access roads to enable faster intervention during emergencies. Salisu further disclosed that many families have already relocated from the area due to fears of another attack, although he appealed to residents to return, insisting that security measures have since been strengthened. Similarly, Musbau Adenekan, Chairman of the Agbekoya group in Fowowawo Community, confirmed that the attack had created widespread panic among residents. According to him, the communities, which are usually bustling with commercial activities linked to dredging operations and local trade, have witnessed a sharp decline in movement since the incident. Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has assured residents that investigations are ongoing and that efforts are being intensified to apprehend those responsible for the attack. The command also clarified that the incident should not be classified as banditry, while reiterating its commitment to restoring confidence and maintaining security across the affected communities.

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