Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers, on Wednesday, shot dead a security man and one other person while abducting two persons at a farm in Awo village, Orile-Imo in the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The kidnappers reportedly shot dead a So-Safe Corps area commander identified as Saheed Ogunrinde and a native of the village.
The abductors were said to be dressed in military camouflage.
They were reportedly trailed by policemen and men of So-Safe Corps.
A resident of the village, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the incident happened on Tuesday night.
The source said the kidnappers attempted to abduct many workers on the farm but were resisted by the security men.
He regretted that they succeeded in abducting two workers and killing three.
Confirming the incident, the Commander of So-Safe Corps, Soji Ganzalo, said his men joined the operation to salvage the situation after the kidnappers had invaded the village.
He said, “A distressed call was made to the Owode Area Command by the DPO, Owode Division that two people were killed and two were kidnapped in Abule Awo, Orile-Imo on May 30, 2023.
He said, “The Owode Area Command Operation Team led by SC Saheed Ogunrinde moved to the affected location to salvage the situation.
“On getting there, the joint operation was carried out by our men and Nigeria Police. All efforts to track the kidnappers proved abortive.
“The following morning, May 31, 2023, our men returned there with policemen from the Owode Division to search the location which led them to the interchange area.
“On sighting our men, they opened fire and their bullet hit one of our men in the person of SC Saheed Ogunrinde (aka Ajura) and he died.
“His corpse had been taken to his house at Ajura and buried. His rifle and phone were taken away by the kidnappers.”
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed the incident.
“Two people were shot, one died on the spot and they kidnapped two. But, one suspect had been arrested in connection with the case,” he said.
