Abeokuta, Ogun State – The Ogun State Police Command has officially confirmed the death of a soldier in the Mowe area but strongly dismissed widespread claims that the incident was a bandit attack, describing such reports as false and misleading.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Command clarified that while the military personnel lost his life in a confrontation with armed individuals, there is no evidence to suggest the presence of organized banditry in Mowe or any part of the state.
The incident, which occurred earlier this week, had sparked panic among residents and fueled social media rumors suggesting that bandits had launched an assault on the community. Some reports had even alleged that the gunmen took over parts of the town before security forces could respond.
However, the Ogun Police Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola, set the record straight in an official release.
“The command confirms the unfortunate death of a soldier in Mowe. We commiserate with the Nigerian Army and the family of the deceased. However, we wish to categorically dispel the rumor of a bandit attack in the area. There is no bandit camp or invasion in Mowe or anywhere in Ogun State,” Odutola stated.
According to police investigations, the soldier was killed during an encounter with suspected armed robbers or local hoodlums, not bandits operating in organized cells as seen in parts of northern Nigeria. The assailants fled the scene after the shooting and are currently being pursued by a joint team of police and military operatives.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Alamutu Abiodun Mustapha, has since deployed additional tactical units to Mowe and surrounding areas to restore calm and prevent any breakdown of law and order. He also assured residents that the perpetrators would be apprehended and brought to justice.
“Residents are urged to go about their lawful businesses without fear. The command is on top of the situation. We also appeal to members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic,” the PPRO added.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has yet to issue an official statement on the death of its personnel, although military sources confirmed that the soldier was attached to a routine security post in the area before the fatal attack.
Community leaders in Mowe have welcomed the police clarification while calling for improved security patrols along the Mowe-Ofada road, which has become a hotspot for armed robbery and other crimes in recent months.
“We are relieved it is not bandits, but we still need more security. Our people are afraid. The government must do something urgent,” a local youth leader said.
The police have asked anyone with useful information about the gunmen’s whereabouts to contact the nearest security station.
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This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available from security sources.
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