Many feared killed in Ogun as militants strike again

Many people were feared killed when militants swooped on Elepete and Igbo Olomu communities in Ogijo area of Ogun State on Thursday night.

The communities are not to be far from Imushin, a community where no fewer than 15 people were killed by militants on Friday last week.

In the latest attack, at Elepete and Igbo Olomu, a source within one of the communities, who spoke anonymously, said several of the victims were landlords.

Due to incessant armed robbery attacks in these areas, the landlords were said to have mobilised themselves, formed a vigilance group, and had made bonfires at strategic points and were on patrol when the militants swooped on them.

‎Mistaken identity

The militants, who were said to be returning around 11pm from the creeks where they had allegedly gone to perpetrate their illegal business, opened fire as they arrived at Elepete after they mistook the vigilance group, for law enforcement agents.

As they fled, the militants were said to have chased them, gunning more of them down.

Around noon on Friday, the source said 30 dead bodies had been accounted for from various points, and that many residents have fled the communities for safety.

“They came out from the creeks. The whole communities have already been deserted. We need the presence of the Nigerian Army, Air force and Navy to curtail the excesses of these militants,” the source said.

However, the police said only two persons were confirmed dead.

The Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Police Command, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said only two people were killed by suspected militants who have been laying siege on the communities.

He said, “Two people have been confirmed dead. The militants came again and attack the community. We will only continue to work collectively with all relevant agencies to stop the attacks. They came yesterday (Thursday) and attacked and went back to the creeks.”

Adejobi added that the police would fish out the criminals.

Punch