Residents of several communities in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State have abandoned their homes following a violent kidnapping attempt that left at least six people dead.
Drivetvnews gathered that the affected communities, including Fowowawo, Ajerogun, and Magbon-Etido, have witnessed a significant decline in daily activities, with many homes and businesses shut as fear spreads among residents.
The incident occurred on Monday when armed men reportedly stormed a dredging site in an attempt to abduct a Chinese expatriate working in the area. The operation failed, but the attack resulted in multiple casualties. Authorities confirmed that a soldier, a local hunter, and four other individuals lost their lives during the confrontation.
Police spokesperson Omolola Odutola stated that one of the suspected kidnappers was also killed during a gun battle with security operatives who responded to the scene.
Residents who remained in the communities expressed concerns about their safety, fearing another attack could occur. Some recalled a similar kidnapping incident several years ago in which victims were released only after a ransom was paid.
A local hunter who participated in the response to the attack explained that villagers initially believed a fight had broken out among workers at the dredging site. However, upon arrival, they discovered they had walked into an ambush set by the gunmen.
According to him, the attackers opened fire after local hunters attempted to identify one another with warning shots. The exchange left one hunter dead while others escaped.
Community leaders said the attackers targeted the Chinese worker but encountered armed soldiers guarding the facility. The resistance reportedly led to a deadly confrontation that left one soldier dead and another injured.
The Baale of Ajerogun Community, Nurudeen Salisu, revealed that the kidnappers later abducted four individuals, including workers and a trader, before attempting to escape through nearby communities. Local vigilantes and residents tried to intercept them, but additional lives were lost during the pursuit.
Salisu noted that poor road conditions and limited security resources hampered emergency response efforts. He also appealed to residents who fled their homes to return, assuring them that security agencies were working to restore peace.
Another community leader, Musbau Adenekan, confirmed that the attack had created widespread panic, causing many families to relocate temporarily.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has maintained that the incident is a criminal kidnapping operation and not an act of banditry. Security agencies have intensified efforts to track down and arrest the remaining suspects involved in the attack.
