Many communities affected by Niger Delta militants’ attacks have become desolate, as home owners and other residents have fled their homes for safety in other locations. Many residents remain unconvinced that the presence of the soldiers is a guarantee of adequate security.
A woman, Alhaja Sekinat, who fled her home in Igbo-Olomu, one of the affected communities, told SaharaReporters that she may never return to the community. Many communities affected by Niger Delta militants’ attacks have become desolate, as home owners and other residents have fled their homes for safety in other locations.
Many residents remain unconvinced that the presence of the soldiers is a guarantee of adequate security. A woman, Alhaja Sekinat, who fled her home in Igbo-Olomu, one of the affected communities, told SaharaReporters that she may never return to the community.
“God, who provided those properties I left behind, will provide other ones. Once there is life, there is hope. I can build more houses if I am alive, but that will not be possible if I allow myself to get killed,” she said philosophically.
According to her, she decided to flee her neighbourhood when, one morning, she woke up to see a black SUV parked in front of her house, with the man in the driver’s seat killed.
It became clear to her that the cause of the man’s death was not robbery, as his assailants left behind a huge sum of money on the car’s dashboard. The experience spooked her.
“I just went back into my house, picked few clothes and left the house. I have not gone back since then and might not go back again” she said.
Many residents of the affected communities are of the same persuasion as Alhaja Sekinat.
When SaharaReporters visited the area on 3 August, it was confronted with thorough desolation. Aside from the heavy presence of the military personnel and other security operatives, the communities were ghost towns. Shops, homes, worship and recreational centres were shut.
At Isawo, residents said the Abundant Mercy Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God has been under lock and key since its pastor was kidnapped.
The pastor has since been released and is on admission at a hospital, but the church remains shut.
At Ogunse, one of the areas visited by SaharaReporters, Alhaji Abdul Jamiu Olarenwaju, Chief Imam of Ibadullahi Central Mosque, disclosed that many residents have deserted their homes.
He explained that the few who remain are those without alternatives. Olanrewaju lamented that the situation has personally affected him as the Arabic school, which he runs, has had to be closed.
“Many of my students have left the community with their parents to other areas. Some have even left the state,” he said.
Homes around the creeks in the area have been destroyed. One of the Army commanders deployed to the area told SaharaReporters that it was the military who advised those who reside around the creeks to flee their homes in order to avoid being hit during combat with the militants.
A landlord and business owner in Elepete, who identified himself as Olayinka, also lamented the disruption the militants have brought on his business and life in general.
“I cannot stay in my house and cannot do my business. No money for feeding; we are just running around trying to save our heads,” he said regretfully.
Olayinka, accompanied by two of his friends, was in the community to see if he could return. However, the emptiness of the streets suggested otherwise. One of his friends kept telling them to hurry up so they could leave the area despite the presence of heavily armed military men.
Bolaji Muhammed, a resident at Ogunse, blamed some residents for the fate that befell the communities, saying some of them encouraged the militants by buying stolen kerosene and petrol from them.
Another resident, who refused to give his name, expressed a similar view.
“When I came in here in 2004, there was a day my wife said she bought kerosene at cheap rate. When I asked where she got it from, she said it was scooped from somewhere. I said I hope it was not through. She said it wasn’t but only saw that people were buying and she bought.
The following week, we found out that people are scooping kerosene with foam, though discreetly,” he said.
Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has promised to ensure that militants and vandals in the communities are flushed out.
Ambode, who assured Lagosians of their safety, also explained that the military offensive against the militants is yielding positive results. However, residents of the affected areas appear not fully convinced, as they have continued to maintain a safe distance from their homes.
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