Gunmen kill police officer, abduct Chinese expat in Oyo attack

Gunmen kill police officer in Oyo as attackers abduct a Chinese expatriate during a raid on Aqua Triton Company near Ibadan

Unidentified gunmen on Saturday killed a police officer and abducted a Chinese expatriate principal during a violent attack on Aqua Triton Company in the Ogunmakin area of Ibadan, Oyo State, police authorities said.

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The Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Ibadan, describing the assault as a coordinated operation carried out by armed assailants.

According to the police, the gunmen stormed the facility in what was described as a commando style attack, triggering a confrontation with security personnel stationed at the company.

The statement said a police officer was fatally shot while attempting to repel the attackers, though some of the assailants sustained injuries during the exchange.

“The Chinese expatriate principal was abducted during the incident,” Ayanlade said, adding that the attack prompted an immediate security response.

Following the report, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Femi Haruna, ordered a rapid deployment of tactical resources to the area.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations was directed to lead the Anti Kidnapping Squad and other tactical teams to the scene to pursue the attackers and secure the victim’s release.

Police said a bush combing operation is currently underway in surrounding areas as part of efforts to track the abductors.

Ayanlade noted that a full investigation has been launched to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted expatriate and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the deadly attack.

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The incident has heightened concerns over security around industrial facilities and expatriate staff in parts of Oyo State, as authorities intensify efforts to restore calm and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Quadri Olaitan