Fear has returned to Ajerogun community in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State after suspected kidnappers reportedly stormed the area, killing a soldier, injuring another and abducting several people.
The latest attack has heightened concerns among residents who say they are once again living at the mercy of armed criminals operating around the riverine communities.
The Baale of Ajerogun, Nurudeen Salisu, said the attackers were believed to have targeted a white man working at a dredging site near the river.
According to him, the foreign national reportedly escaped by jumping into the river as the gunmen opened fire, while soldiers attached to the site attempted to repel the attackers.
The monarch said one soldier was killed during the assault, while another was injured as the gunmen made their escape through the river area with some victims.
The development has revived painful memories of previous attacks in the community, with the traditional ruler saying a similar kidnapping incident occurred in 2023.
Residents had subsequently intensified security around the dredging sites, including engaging security personnel to protect workers and expatriates.
But the latest attack has left the community shaken, with fears that the kidnappers may have returned to the area in search of new victims.
Ogun’s Kidnap Hotspot?
The latest incident is particularly worrying because it occurred in the same Obafemi-Owode axis that witnessed a deadly kidnapping attempt in June.
On June 8, suspected kidnappers attacked a dredging site at Magbon, Mowe, reportedly targeting Chinese expatriates.
The Nigerian Army said troops responding to a distress call were ambushed, resulting in a gun battle. One soldier and four hostages were killed, while another soldier and two police officers sustained injuries.
Residents of Ajerogun, Fowowawo and Magbon-Etido subsequently fled some parts of the communities, with several houses and shops reportedly deserted following the attack.
The June incident also exposed the vulnerability of the riverine communities, as the attackers reportedly used the forest and river channels to escape.
Ogun has continued to record kidnapping incidents despite security operations. In December 2025, police confirmed the abduction of six real estate marketers who were inspecting land in Oyebola, also in Obafemi-Owode LGA.
With the latest attack coming months after the deadly Magbon incident, residents are now demanding stronger security presence, better access roads and sustained surveillance around the riverbanks and isolated communities.
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