After several attacks, robberies and
abductions by militants on residents of Imose community, Ado odo ota local
government area of Ogun state on the water. The militants have taken a step
further by leaving the water and coming into the town.
Just a week ago, after series of
attacks, robberies, kidnaps and speculations about letters being sent by the
militants; residents of Imose decided to abstain from going out of Imose
through water and resorted to going by land, through an alternative route
(Igbesa/Agbara) which is more expensive and much farther than going by water (boat).
This development posed serious challenges to residents of Imose community,
especially those working outside the town (Lagos) as the situation of things
made it difficult for workers to continue going to work daily. This among other
factors like fear forced several residents (home owners and indigenes
inclusive) to flee from the town in their numbers with their bags and baggage.
Asides few rumours here and there, things went
on smoothly for a while (even though most residents of Imose and even Totowu, a
neighbouring town had left) until today around 3p.m when it was actually confirmed
that 6 of the militants had gathered courage, brought their boat and entered
the town. This incited serious anger in the minds of some of the indigenes and
active youths in the area as the issue was getting out of hand. Those who had
the courage (and were well-equipped, “jazzwise”) picked up weapons like
cutlasses, axes, machetes, bottles, iron rods, etc.) gave the militants a hot
chase.
Eye witnesses informed B.K’s Blog
that when the militants were first seen, they said, “No run o, we no find
anybody come”. Meaning people shouldn’t run as they had no intention of
attacking anybody. Why did they now come??? This remained the rhetorical
question on everybody’s lips as no one even waited to get a reply. It was some
of those who fled from the area close to the river that ran into the main town
to inform others. It was after the information that few courageous people went
after them. The town’s people were however, unable to catch up with the
militants as they heard rumours that there were still many militants hanging
around making them outnumbered and the militants being chased were able to get
to the river and leave in their boat before the angry residents caught up with
them.
More residents have left the town
since this incident occurred today as there are rumours going round that the
militants might reinforce and come back again. Plans are currently being made
by the town’s heads (Chiefs, Baales, etc.), residents (indigenes and
non-indigenes), the Oduduwa Peoples’ Congress (OPC) and other groups that can
help to tackle the situation on ground.
Residents of Imose are calling on
the Government to look into the matter and work on ways to tackle the issue fast
as lives of citizens are at stake.
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