Nigeria Military bombard Arepo in Ogun State, considered den of petroleum pipeline vandalism

Many people were feared dead, as the Military commenced bombardment of creeks in Arepo area of Ogun State, suspected to be inhabited by militants.

This is just as gunmen, suspected to be militants, stormed Isawo area of Ikorodu, Lagos, and abducted a man identified simply as Hyginius.

The bombardment, it was gathered, was carried out by the Military and police but it was not clear, if those killed included civilians living around the creeks.

 Unconfirmed  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 around 5.30p.m., followed by sporadic gunshots.

Vanguard said 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.”

Nigerian Current reports that at least 100 suspected militants have been killed as the military on Saturday continued the aerial bombardment of Fatola, the base of militants and pipeline vandals in the Arepo area of Ogun State.

Meanwhile the army has held a news conference to formally inform the public about the bombing of Arepo creeks.

Spokesperson of the Army said, military decided to use air strikes to bombard the area because the militants blocked all access routes with tree cut outs and other obstacles, even as the creek is shallow that boat cannot go through.

Details later.....