One police officer has been confirmed dead following an armed attack on Aqua Triton Company at Ogunmakin, near Ibadan, Oyo State.
The gunmen, whose identities are yet to be ascertained, reportedly stormed the company’s premises in a commando-style operation, engaging security personnel in a fierce gun battle.
During the exchange of gunfire, a police officer attached to the facility was fatally shot while resisting the attackers. Some of the assailants were also believed to have sustained gunshot injuries.
Despite the resistance, the attackers succeeded in abducting a Chinese expatriate, said to be the company’s principal officer, before fleeing the scene.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Command, Adewale Osifeso, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, was immediately briefed.
He said the commissioner promptly ordered the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to deploy the Anti-Kidnapping Squad alongside other tactical teams to the area.
According to the police, a bush-combing operation is currently ongoing, while a full-scale investigation has been launched to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted expatriate and the arrest of the perpetrators.
The Oyo State Police Command assured residents that it remains committed to restoring calm in the area and urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist ongoing operations.