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

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

Details of the operation, said to have lasted 20 minutes, was sketchy at press time. But 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 at about 5:30 p.m., followed by sporadic gunshots, which jolted the militants. Some of them were said to have hid inside the river.

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.”

•Excerpted from a Vanguard report. Photo shows marine troops.