The Ondo State Police Command has disclosed that about 30 armed men carried out the attack on the Divisional Police Station in Ipele community, Owo Local Government Area of the state, on New Year’s Eve.
The command, through its Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Abayomi, said the gunmen, who were heavily armed, stormed the police facility at about 10:00 p.m., wielding assault rifles and dynamite.
Abayomi explained that the incident occurred a few days after the Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed that more than 35 suspected terrorists fleeing from airstrikes in Sokoto State were apprehended in a forest within the state.
According to the police spokesperson, the attackers invaded the station, leading to the destruction of the facility and several exhibits, while residents of the community fled in different directions for safety.
He described the attack as a tragic act against the peace and security of the state, urging members of the public to remain calm and assuring them that the situation was firmly under control.
Abayomi added that the police command, in collaboration with other sister security agencies in the state, had commenced a manhunt for the attackers, who reportedly fled the community after the operation.
Giving further details, the police spokesperson said, “According to preliminary reports, at about 9:41 p.m., a group of armed men numbering between 20 and 30 invaded the police station, firing assault rifles and deploying dynamite. The attackers set the station ablaze, leading to the destruction of the building and several exhibits.
“Lives were reportedly lost during the attack. However, as of the time of this report, no life was confirmed lost.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has ordered the immediate deployment of additional operational assets, including Tactical Teams, Explosive Ordnance Disposal–Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) units, as well as Police Mobile Force personnel to the area, while the situation remains under control.”
The police assured residents of Ipele and adjoining communities of adequate security, stressing that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent a recurrence.
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