Ijaws resident in Lagos and Ogun states started relocating from the two states, weekend, to the South-South for fear of attack following the expiration of the ultimatum issued to Ijaws in the states by the Reformed Odua Peoples Congress, ROPC.

Also, many indigenes of Kaiama in Kolokuma Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, country home of Ijaw hero, late Major Adaka Boro, have deserted the community over fears that the military may attack the community, following the threat by a militant group, Adaka Boro Avengers, ABA, to declare a Republic of Niger Delta today.

Spokesperson of the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, Eric Omare, who confirmed the developments, said: “At as Sunday morning (yesterday), information at our disposal indicates that some Ijaw people resident in Lagos and Ogun states, for fear of attack, are already relocating from their places of residence to the South-South.”

He said that there was apprehension among Ijaws in the South-West over the expiration of the ultimatum issued by ROPC, because of attacks by unknown gunmen in parts of Lagos and Ogun states. The IYC, however, called on ROPC members and the leadership of the Yoruba nation to allow security agents to do their constitutional duty of apprehending criminals responsible for the Ogun and Lagos attacks.

On the tense situation at Kaiama, Omare said: “We call on residents of Kaiama town to be calm and go about their normal activities. There is no plan by the Ijaw people to declare a republic and the threat by Adaka Boro Avengers should be disregarded.

“We wish to warn groups and individuals not to further expose Ijaw and Niger Delta communities to unnecessary tension and danger. They should not abuse modern means of information technology to the detriment of our communities by issuing unnecessary threats and ultimatums. “We call on security agencies to stop forthwith the unnecessary threats and attacks on Ijaw and other Niger Delta communities because of threats by faceless groups. They should check issues of security with the leadership of Ijaw nation instead of threatening or attacking innocent communities and people.”

Meanwhile, military and police operatives, in a joint operation yesterday, continued the bombardment of Iroko creeks in Arepo area of Ogun State as part of on-going battle to flush out oil pipeline vandals from the areas.

Similarly, Military and Police authorities have beefed up security measures at Ewedogbon area of Totowu, a riverine community in Ishuti, Igando, old Alimosho Local Government Area and Isawo, Ikorodu areas of Lagos State towards containing invasion of suspected Niger Delta militants.

Though at the time of filling this report, no casualty was officially recorded at Arepo as “Operation Awate” continued. Many people were feared dead, last Thursday, as the military commenced bombardment of Iroko creeks in Arepo area suspected to be inhabited by militants and pipeline vandals. A source who preferred anonymity at Rapid Response Squad, RRS, confirmed the continued bombardment of the areas by joint military and police teams yesterday.

•Pieced together from separate Vanguard stories. Photo shows troops on duty in the creeks.