Residents of ten communities surrounding the Odogbo Cantonment of the Nigerian Army in Ibadan have raised urgent concerns over their safety after stray bullets from the Army's shooting range reportedly injured a woman and damaged no fewer than fifteen houses. The affected communities include Omilabu Zones 1, 2, 3, Oluseyi, Idi-Omo, Anilelerin, Dominion Estate, Ajobo, and others.
The residents, numbering over 5,000, have been advocating for the relocation of the shooting range since 2017, citing repeated incidents of stray bullets and the lack of adequate safety measures. In a statement, community representatives expressed their frustration, noting that the latest shooting exercise began without prior notice, unlike previous instances where the Army had informed residents in advance.
One resident shared, "Two days into the exercise, a woman was struck by a stray bullet while in her shop. She was rushed to the Military Hospital in the barracks. This is not the first time our lives and properties have been endangered."
The communities are appealing to President Bola Tinubu and the Army leadership to intervene and relocate the shooting range to a less populated area to prevent further harm. They emphasized that their calls for action have gone unanswered for years, leaving them in a state of fear and uncertainty.
The residents are urging the government to prioritize their safety and well-being, stressing that the relocation of the shooting range is a necessary step to ensure the protection of lives and properties in the affected areas.