Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Ajerogun community in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State has been plunged into fear following a brazen attack by suspected kidnappers who invaded the area, killing a soldier, injuring another, and abducting several residents. The assault, which occurred at a dredging site near the river, has reignited concerns about the safety of residents and foreign workers in the riverine communities of Ogun State.
According to the Baale of Ajerogun, Chief Nurudeen Salisu, the attackers appeared to have targeted a white man working along the riverbank. However, the foreign national managed to escape by diving into the river as the gunmen opened fire. Soldiers attached to the expatriate's security detail attempted to repel the attackers, but during the ensuing confrontation, one soldier was killed and another sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. The soldiers reportedly killed one of the attackers before the remaining gunmen fled.
After failing to capture their primary target, the bandits turned their attention to the community, abducting several residents and taking them into the bush. Chief Salisu stated that residents of nearby villages joined efforts to search for the victims and find a way to rescue them. He also noted that the police attempted to respond to the attack, but poor road conditions delayed their arrival, allowing the attackers to escape.
The attack has revived painful memories of previous incidents in the community. Chief Salisu said a similar kidnapping attempt occurred in 2023, prompting residents to intensify security around the dredging sites and engage security personnel to protect workers and expatriates. The latest attack, however, has left the community shaken, with fears that the kidnappers may have returned to the area in search of new victims.
This incident is part of a worrying pattern of violence in the Obafemi-Owode axis. In June 2026, 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 that left one soldier and four hostages dead, 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.
Ogun State 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. The recurring attacks have exposed the vulnerability of riverine communities, as attackers have been known to use forest and river channels to escape.
In response to the escalating insecurity, local authorities have deployed additional security personnel to the area and urged residents to remain vigilant. However, residents are demanding stronger security presence, better access roads, and sustained surveillance around the riverbanks and isolated communities. With kidnappings on the rise, calls for more robust government intervention to protect vulnerable areas are growing louder.
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