A police officer has been confirmed dead following an attack by gunmen on Aqua Triton Company located at Ogunmakin, near Ibadan, Oyo State.
The attackers reportedly stormed the facility in a commando style operation, leading to a gun battle with security personnel attached to the company.
During the exchange of gunfire, the police officer was fatally shot while attempting to repel the assailants. Some of the attackers were also believed to have sustained gunshot injuries.
Despite the resistance, the gunmen succeeded in abducting a Chinese expatriate, said to be the principal officer of the company, before fleeing the scene.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, was immediately informed of the attack.
According to the state police command, the Commissioner directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to lead the Anti Kidnapping Squad and other tactical teams to the area to begin coordinated operations.
The PPRO disclosed that a bush combing operation was ongoing, while a full scale investigation had been launched to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted expatriate and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
The Oyo State Police Command assured residents that it remained committed to restoring calm in the area and urged members of the public to provide useful information that could assist ongoing security operations.
