Ogun Dep Gov escapes death as Niger Delta militants attack convoy

0
597

By; NIYI OGUNGBOLA, Abeokuta.
The armed attacks in Ogun State has assumed a new dimension just as  suspected Niger Delta militants Sunday engaged the security team of the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Onanuga, in a gun battle in Ibafo .
The deputy governor had embarked on an inspection visit to some borderline communities between Ogun and Lagos states‎ which were‎ sacked by militants when the unfortunate incident happened on Sunday.
The Deputy Governor who was accompanied by the security chiefs in the state, visited Imushin, Elepete and Igbo-Olomu‎ to reassure residents of the commitment of the State government readiness to provide adequate security for lives and property.
However, the ‎situation changed at Akoka Ebute area of Ibafo, in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area when suspected militants opened fire on the security operatives that accompanied the deputy governor.
It will be recalled that scores of people have lost their lives since the militants launched violent attacks on some communities in the state penultimate Friday.
Worried by the militants attacks, traditional rulers from the affected communities‎ went on a “save our souls” mission and held a meeting with the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Taiwo Adeoluwa, in Abeokuta.
After the meeting‎, a state delegation by the deputy governor visited the affected communities.
As an advance security team led by the security chiefs was approaching the Ibafo creeks where the suspected militants were believed to be hiding, a barrage of gunfire ensued, forcing the law enforcement agents to take cover.
New Nigerian gathered that the security operatives, comprising soldiers and policemen‎, responded swiftly and repelled the suspected militants, who later retreated deeper into the creeks and escaped in the process.
The state delegation later made a detour‎ from the troubled area after the deputy governor had assured the residents of commitment to their safety.
Reacting to the gun battle, the SSG expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the affected communities and called for urgent Federal Government’s assistance.
He said ‎the exchange of gunfire between the security operatives and the daredevil criminals in broad daylight was regrettable.
Adeoluwa said, “It is a thing of regret that things have gone so bad in our country; at this level, the teams led by the deputy governor of the state were not able‎ to have access to a part of our state. It means that without mincing words, the Federal Government needs to get involved in this.
“This is something that is beyond the capacity of the Police. We need military task force like the one we have in Niger Delta; it’s necessary and desirable.‎ As we can see in Elepete, Igbo-Olomu and Imagbon, nothing can be compared with the violence here in Ibafo.”
Speaking with our correspondent, the Baale of Akoka Ebute, Ibafo, Chief Folorunso Balogun, said the community had been deserted.
Balogun, who disclosed that a couple was abducted by the suspected militants yesterday, appealed to the Federal Government to deploy more troops to the area.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here