The
Nigerian Military has continued the aerial bombardment of Fatola, the hideout
of militants and pipeline vandals in the Arepo area of Ogun State.
According to reports, the air raid happened yesterday afternoon about 12pm and was said to have
lasted for about 30 minutes.
A
fighter jet fired missiles at the Iroko creeks, leaving no fewer than 100
suspected militants dead and their camps/shanties destroyed.
Residents
were caught unawares and had to run for their lives due to the ground-shaking effects of the missiles during the bombardment.
Business
activities were grounded and many residents fled their homes for fear
of being hit by missiles.
A source close to the militants told SUNDAY PUNCH that
the missiles leveled the base of the militants, adding that more than 100
people were killed.
He said,
“The whole place has been leveled. From the information I just gathered, those
killed today (Saturday) cannot be less than 100. I am aware that some of them
(the militants) are presently in the waters where they are hiding. They are making
calls and seeking escape routes from the place.”
Another
source, who asked the military to intensify attacks on the militants, said the
militants abandoned their ammunition in the creeks.
He said
the men could regroup and cause greater havoc if given a breathing space.
He said,
“The heat is on them. One of them said it was because of the kidnap of a
monarch in Lagos (Oniba of Iba) that the missile attack was intensified.
“He said
he had asked his colleagues to release the monarch, but they didn’t listen. I
am aware that the monarch will be released between today and tomorrow, if he
has not been killed.
“The
military should deploy secret officials in Ibafo, Pakuro, Wawa and other
villages. I believe those places will be their next hideouts. They must not be
given any breathing space. If they are allowed to regroup, there will be
serious problems.”
The
Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar confirmed the
air strikes.
According to him, the joint operation will continue until the area
is secure and free from all criminal gangs, either militants or vandals.
However, he didn't ascertain the number of
casualties from the strike.
Labels: About 100 militants killed in Military air strike in Ogun state, Ijaw Militants, Ijaw militants killed in Ogun air raid, Military rains bombs on Ijaw Militants in Ogun State
