60 Feared Dead as Vandals Storm Lagos, Ogun Communities

By Rebecca  Ejifoma
 

The killings by suspected pipeline vandals in Ogun and Lagos states turned to a blood bath yesterday following the alleged killing of over 60 residents in Igbo Olomu, Ogijo and other border communities in Ikorodu Lagos State and Ogun State.

Suspected vandals were said to have stormed the  Igbo Olomu community yesterday with sophisticated weapons and carried out wanton destruction and killing of the residents.

THISDAY gathered that the vandals targeted landlords and local vigilante men in the community, killing them with members of their families. It was, also, said that the vandals made away with the corpses as they escaped into the creeks.

 This killing is coming despite the presence of policemen from the Lagos State Police Command and the Ogun State Command working in a joint operation with men of Operation AWATSE, a military joint task force deployed to the area.

According to findings, although the community has become a ghost town as residents who survived the attack had fled their homes, heavily armed police men and military personnel patrolling the area to restore peace and calm frayed nerves.

A community leader, who requested anonymity for fear of attack, said the vandals targeted landlords, Vigilante groups and community leaders perceived by the vandals as enemies assisting the police to stop pipeline vandals from operating in the area.

 “There was blood bath at our community today. I reside at  Igbo Olomu but I have fled my home with my family. Ijaw vandals stormed our community with sophisticated weapons and they went on to shoot anybody at sight. They targeted landlords. We were fast asleep when they came. I counted 18 corpses before I fled my house. I have never seen such killing. They fled with the corpses. We are appealing to the security agencies to come to our rescue,” he added.

Another anonymous source said: “There was chaos in  Igbo Olomu community in Ikorodu West. Killings and wanton destruction of lives and properties. Over 18 people were killed last night. The Ijaw vandals were on rampage displayed sophisticated weapons. “

We call for reinforcement of soldiers. The community is in disarray.”

The Lagos state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatia Owoseni, visited the community and assured the residents that the police would ensure safety of lives and properties