Gunmen have launched a deadly attack on a company located in Ogunmakin, on the outskirts of Ibadan, resulting in the death of a police officer and the abduction of an Indian expatriate.
The assault targeted Aqua Triton Company in Oyo State and was described by authorities as a carefully coordinated, commando-style operation carried out by unidentified assailants.
Confirming the incident on Saturday, the Oyo State Police Command disclosed that the attackers forcefully entered the company premises and were confronted by security personnel stationed at the facility. During the exchange, one police officer was fatally wounded.
The spokesperson of the Command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, clarified that the abducted foreign national is an Indian citizen, countering earlier reports that had suggested the victim was Chinese.
“There was an attack at Aqua Triton Company in Ogunmakin, near Ibadan, Oyo State, where yet to be identified gunmen stormed the facility in a commando-style operation,” Olayinka said.
He explained that the police officer lost his life while attempting to repel the attackers, noting that some of the gunmen sustained injuries before fleeing the scene with the expatriate.
“One police officer tragically died while repelling the attack, injuring some of the assailants, and the Indian expatriate principal was abducted,” the police spokesperson stated.
In response to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Femi Haruna, ordered an immediate and robust security operation. According to Olayinka, the Commissioner directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to mobilise the Anti-Kidnapping Squad alongside other tactical units to the area.
“Immediately informed, the Commissioner of Police directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to lead the Anti-Kidnapping Squad and other tactical teams to the scene,” he said.
The police spokesperson added that security forces have begun an extensive bush-combing exercise across Ogunmakin and neighbouring communities as efforts intensify to rescue the abducted expatriate.
He further stated that a comprehensive investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack and identify those responsible.
“A bush-combing operation is ongoing, and a full investigation has been launched to ensure the safe rescue of the victim and the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators,” Olayinka said.
The Police Command reassured residents and workers in the area that steps are being taken to restore calm and reinforce security. Members of the public were also encouraged to provide credible information that could assist ongoing rescue and investigative efforts.
What you should know
The attack on Aqua Triton Company highlights ongoing security challenges in parts of Oyo State, particularly involving kidnappings and violent assaults on businesses and expatriates.
The killing of a police officer underscores the risks faced by security personnel during such operations.
Authorities have intensified search efforts and investigations, while urging public cooperation to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted Indian national and the arrest of the attackers.
