There is currently very heavy Military and DSS personnel in armoured and other military vehicles in the Arepo area of the Lagos-Ogun border area since last weekend, and the thinking has been that this is in line with protecting petroleum pipelines, and fighting pipeline vandal gangs.
It would be recalled that last month, seven DSS officials were reported to have been killed in that area. Residents have however been complaining about the conduct of the military and intelligence personnel. Complaints have been made of harassment and humiliation of civilians in the community,
A resident of the area, Chukwuma Anele had this to say about the situation:
“SOS! Soldiers on rampage in Arepo, along Lagos-Ibadan expressway. HELP!!! Soldiiers sent to protect the pipeline are harassing, molesting, and beating any and everybody they meet on the road as from 8 in the night – including those returning home from work late at night after a very hard day at work.
Beating anyone that still has his shop open as from 8pm. They were told to protect the pipelines which are located far away from where residents live. I don’t understand the rationale for these human rights abuses being done against very peaceful residents of Arepo community. Pls help us O!”
Another resident claimed that they were being terrorized and made to raise up their arms and march because they got home late
This happens to be the same place where I live also.
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