Fear has gripped residents of Fowowawo, Ajerogun and Magbon-Etido communities in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State following a failed kidnapping attempt that left at least six people dead.
A visit to the affected communities on Wednesday revealed deserted homes, locked shops and a sharp decline in commercial activities as many residents fled over concerns of a possible recurrence.
The incident occurred on Monday when suspected kidnappers reportedly stormed a dredging site in an attempt to abduct a Chinese national. The operation, however, failed after security personnel engaged the attackers.
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed that the attack resulted in the deaths of a soldier, a local hunter and four other persons. The police also disclosed that one of the suspected kidnappers was killed during a gun battle with security operatives.
Residents who remained in the communities expressed fears over their safety, recalling a similar kidnapping incident about three years ago in which victims were released after a ransom was paid.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said local hunters initially believed they were responding to a fight among workers at the dredging site, only to discover they had walked into an ambush.
According to him, the gunmen opened fire after one of the hunters shot into the air to alert his colleagues, killing a hunter identified as Ewe and forcing others to flee.
He further alleged that security reinforcements arrived several hours after the incident, by which time casualties had already been recorded.
The Baale of Ajerogun Community, Nurudeen Salisu, said the attackers targeted a Chinese expatriate working at the dredging site but encountered resistance from soldiers stationed there for security.
He explained that the gunmen killed one soldier, injured another and abducted four people, including workers and a trader, while attempting to escape.
Salisu said residents of neighbouring communities were alerted to intercept the attackers, but two local volunteers were killed during the confrontation. He added that three of the four abducted victims were also killed by the gunmen.
According to the traditional ruler, one of the victims who escaped identified the attackers as suspected Fulani gunmen. He added that one of the kidnappers was wounded by the injured soldier before being allegedly killed by his accomplices.
The community leader commended the efforts of security agencies but expressed concerns over inadequate equipment and poor road infrastructure, which he said hampered emergency response.
He disclosed that many residents had relocated their families since the attack, although he urged them to return, assuring that security had been strengthened in the area.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Agbekoya group in Fowowawo Community, Musbau Adenekan, said the incident had created widespread panic and disrupted economic activities in the area.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has assured residents that the attack was not linked to banditry and stated that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.