Residents of Oke Ode community in Kwara State have started relocating following bandits’ attack last week.
This is just as troops launched a coordinated air and land assault against the gunmen, killing many in the process.
Oke Ode was attacked on Sunday by the terrorists, leaving several people dead and others abducted.
The police confirmed 12 deaths, including hunters, newly recruited forest guards, vigilantes and civilians. A viral video showed fleeing residents packed into trucks, buses and tricycles, among other means of transportation.
A resident, Mrs Esther Amode, said they were leaving the town without a clear destination.
‘Some of us will get down at Ajase Ipo while others are heading to Offa, among other places, we feel we can find refuge as this is getting out of hand,’ she said.
A driver, Amuda Onaolapo, stated that the town was being deserted, with many residents stranded due to a shortage of vehicles.
He added that residents could no longer continue to live in an atmosphere of fear.
Daily Trust reports that there have also been peaceful protests by affected residents in Ajase Ipo, Isanlu-Isin and other communities.
Meanwhile, the state government, in a statement by Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, said criminals have been under massive attack from combined security forces following the launch of a major onslaught on their hideouts in Ifelodun on Monday.
He said the operation took place around Baba Sango forest on Monday night and along the Kogi border with Kwara, adding that the development resulted in multiple casualties among the gunmen.
‘The Nigerian Air Force also confirmed aerial strikes on the criminals’ positions in the area, introducing a new phase in the efforts to dislodge them,’ he said.