Tragedy: Vandals Causes Fire Outbreak, 16 People Feared Dead In Ogun State
Men of the Joint Task Force (JTF), ‘Operation Awase,’ reportedly attempted to clear the bush from Arepo to link the Ikorodu area of Lagos state which had always provided a hiding place for the vandals, thereby, flushing out the vandals.
However, the vandals were said to have laid ambush for the officials following a tip-off. They reportedly went ahead of the officers and poured petrol on the path the officers were to take.
The Punch reports that as the military men moved in to start their operation, they were not aware that the vandals were already spying on them and watching their movement.
“It was another set of vandals that went to set the path on fire.
“These vandals did not know the extent to which the first group poured petrol and they had unknowingly entered into part of the place.
“As they threw the firebomb at the military men, the fire consumed them. About 16 of them died,” a source disclosed.
“I cannot count the number of casualties, but they were many. There were three military vehicles. The fight between the military and the vandals is on a daily basis and we have not been having peace in this community. We are always afraid,” said an anonymous witness.