Many Feared Dead as Nigerian Military Descends On Militants in Arepo, Ogun

Residents of the volatile Arepo area of Ogun State
which has been infiltrated with militants and oil
pipeline vandals have been thrown into panic
following sanitary military operations in the area.

Unconfirmed reports have it that the military has
commenced aerial bombardment of the Iroko
creeks in the Arepo area of Ogun State which has
been taken over by militants.

This has allayed fears of multiple deaths in the
region yesterday. The report which has been
denied by the arm resulted from a disturbing news
of gunment suspected to be be militants storming
Isawo area of Ikorodu, Lagos, and abducting a
man identified simply as Hyginius, according to
the Vanguard.

The bombardment, it was gathered, was carried
out by the Military and police but it was not clear,
last night, if those killed included civilians living
around the creeks. Details of the operation, said to
have lasted 20 minutes, was sketchy at press
time. But a tentative report had it that several lives
were lost with about 30 houses destroyed.

It was gathered that some helicopters were sighted
hovering around the creeks at about 5.30p.m.,
followed by sporadic gunshots, which jolted the
militants. Some of them were said to have hid
inside the river.

Residents of Elepete area, who apparently thought
it was another attack from militants, scampered for
safety.

Police sources said “it was a joint operation.” It
was gathered that the helicopters deployed in the
operation were of the Air Force, while personnel of
the three forces, comprising the Army Navy and Air
Force and Police were on board the boats that
combed the creeks.

A source said: “These militants are responsible for
the attacks on residents at Elepete and Igbolomu
areas of Ikorodu. It is an ongoing operation.”

A resident, Nmadu Chionye, said: “We heard the
gunshots and took cover. But when we contacted
the security men, they told us they were in charge.
We learned several persons were killed, but none
can tell the exact number.”

Meanwhile, military authorities denied the
employment of aerial bombardment in the region
as they stated it would destroy the oil facilities
installed in the region and cause massive
environmental damage.