By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

A soldier was killed and another wounded in an attack on a private dredging site at Magbon Etido in Mowe, Ogun State, prompting a joint security operation to track down the perpetrators.

The Ogun State Police Command, which confirmed the incident on Monday, dismissed reports linking the attack to banditry, describing it as an isolated criminal act.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the deceased soldier was on security duty at the site when the attack occurred, while the injured soldier is receiving treatment.

Following the incident, police operatives and military personnel were deployed to the area and have commenced coordinated operations to apprehend those responsible.

“The security incident recorded at a private dredging site in Magbon Etido, Mowe, was an isolated criminal attack and not a bandit operation as being speculated in some quarters,” Babaseyi said in a statement.

He added that preliminary investigations had not established any connection between the attack and banditry activities.

“Preliminary findings do not indicate any connection between the incident and banditry activities. Investigations and tactical operations remain ongoing,” he stated.

The police spokesman assured residents that the situation had been brought under control, noting that security presence in the area had been reinforced.

“The situation is under control, security presence has been reinforced, and there is no cause for alarm,” the statement added.

The command urged members of the public to remain calm as security agencies continue efforts to arrest those behind the attack.