Residents flee Ogun communities after six killed in foiled abduction

Several communities in the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State are experiencing an exodus of residents following a failed abduction attempt that claimed at least six lives. Communities like Fowowawo, Ajerogun, and Magbon-Etido have seen significant population decline, with many homes and shops now shuttered.

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We were informed that some boys were fighting, and our Baale called us to go there. When we got there, we were in the midst of the kidnappers, but we didn’t know they were kidnappers. There were five.

The incident occurred early Monday when suspected kidnappers invaded a dredging site, aiming to abduct a Chinese national. The operation was unsuccessful, and a gunfight ensued between the kidnappers and responding security operatives. The Ogun State Police Command confirmed that a soldier, a local hunter, and four other individuals were killed, while one suspect also died in the confrontation.

Residents who remain in the affected areas expressed deep-seated fears of potential future attacks. This incident echoes a similar kidnapping that occurred in the same communities approximately three years prior, where abductors reportedly collected ransom before releasing their victims.

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The Agbekoya that was among us shot into the air so that we could know where they were, but they responded by firing at us. It was a bullet from their gunfire that hit one guy called Ewe. Everyone began scampering for safety. I escaped through the water.

Adding to the community's vulnerability is the deplorable condition of the road connecting them to Ofada, the location of the nearest police post. This poor infrastructure makes access to the communities difficult and time-consuming for security forces. One resident, who participated in the initial response, recounted how local hunters were ambushed by about five gunmen. Despite raising an alarm, the gunmen opened fire, leading to casualties among the hunters before they could receive backup, which reportedly arrived hours later.

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When we came out to call for support at about 2pm, the security forces did not arrive until about 6pm. When we got back to the scene, Ewe had already died.