Tension as militants return to Ikorodu

Residents of Isawo in the Ikorodu area of Lagos state say they now live in fear following the return of militants, six months after security operatives chased them out of the area.

The militants, mostly kidnappers and pipeline vandals, killed many people in the community before the government was forced to deploy a joint military taskforce in the area.

Residents told NAN on Monday that many of the hoodlums had returned to Isawo and neighbouring communities.

“The militants are back to Isawo area. They brandish guns openly during daytime and rob people at night; many residents are now living in fear,” a female resident, who pleaded anonymity, told NAN.

“The men are boasting that they are back to revenge the killings of their people in Isawo last year.

“For instance, Olusola Oke street junction in Isawo near Majidun is one of the militants’ meeting points where they smoke Indian hemp openly.

“Residents don’t go out daily until 7am, and before 6pm, everyone is back home.”

She said some residents had relocated from the area for their safety since the return of the hoodlums.

Another resident, who also sought anonymity, told NAN: “When we thought that these people were gone forever, they came again.

“We want the military and the police to check them before they start killing again.’’

Reacting to the development, Olarinde Famous-Cole, spokesman of the police in Lagos, said the command was re-strategising the security arrangements in the state, including Ikorodu area.

Famous-Cole said more police patrol teams would be deployed in the area, and urged residents to provide useful information on the activities of the suspects.

On his part, Fergusson Bobai, flag officer commanding, Western Naval command, said: “I don’t have any report yet to suggest that militants are back in those areas.

“But Lagos state governor has approved the return of swamp buggies to open up the creeks in those areas to enable us carry out in-depth patrols.”

The swamp buggy is a vehicle used to traverse boggy swamp terrain.

Buggies are able to move about on dry land, shallow mud, sand, shallow water and deep mud.