Gunmen Kill 20 In Attack On Ikorodu Communities

SLUG: nigeria   INPUTDATE: 2006-03-05 12:07:44.183   CREDIT: Craig Timberg/STAFF/TWP  LOCATION: Okerenkoko, , nigeria  CAPTION: Niger delta militants display their weapons while talking to journalists.  Sent by: Craig Timberg   Photo Editor:

At least 20 people are feared dead after gunmen attacked two communities in the Ikorodu area of Lagos on Monday. The Elegbete and Igbolomu communities which are waterfronts faced what is believed to be reprisal attacks after a task force on pipeline vandalism killed two gunmen in the Elegbete community.

Although the Lagos state Police command confirmed the attack on both communities, it disputed the residents claims that the casualties numbered up to 20.

Elegbete and Igbolomu have been deserted by residents as tension remains high and fear over more attacks builds. Soldiers have however been dispatched to both communities to prevent further attacks.