Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has directed security agencies to intensify patrols across communities and forest areas of the state following a violent attack on Ipele-Owo community in Owo Local Government Area.
The directive was given on Thursday during an emergency meeting with heads of security agencies in Akure, convened after gunmen stormed the agrarian community on Wednesday night, New Year’s Eve.
According to eyewitness accounts, about 20 armed men invaded Ipele around 10 p.m., firing sporadically and spreading fear among residents. The attackers reportedly set the local police station on fire, forcing officers and community members to flee into nearby bushes for safety.
“It was terrifying,” an eyewitness said. “They came in a commando style, shooting everywhere. Many of us had no choice but to run for our lives into the bush.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa said the attack occurred while many residents were attending night services to welcome the new year. He explained that once he received reports of the incident, he immediately contacted senior police and military officers, ordering the rapid deployment of additional security personnel to the area.
He noted that operatives from the Joint Operations Task Force, the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies were already on patrol across the state, including forested zones, and their swift response helped prevent loss of lives.
“Although the attackers managed to breach security and discharge an explosive at the police station, their actions were quickly contained. No life was lost,” the governor said.
Aiyedatiwa confirmed that the police station sustained damage, but all officers survived and later rejoined patrol teams to maintain security in the area. He said the emergency meeting focused on reviewing the incident, evaluating the security response and putting stronger measures in place to prevent a recurrence.
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Also speaking, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, said the meeting brought together leaders of the police, military, DSS, Civil Defence and Amotekun to assess the situation and begin efforts to track down those responsible.
He dismissed rumours on social media claiming that people were killed or churches attacked, stressing that no casualties were recorded and no religious facility was affected.
Lawal added that investigations were ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage, including whether any items were taken from the police armoury. He cautioned against premature conclusions, noting that the incident could not yet be classified as terrorism until arrests were made.
The police commissioner reassured residents that Ondo State remains one of the safest in southern Nigeria and urged the public to stay calm while security agencies continue their work.
