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Gunmen attacked the Ipele community in the Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State on Wednesday night, setting the divisional police station ablaze.
The assault occurred on New Year’s Eve, causing widespread panic as residents fled their homes and disrupted crossover church services.
Eyewitnesses reported that 20 to 30 attackers stormed the agrarian community around 9:41 pm, firing indiscriminately and using explosives before igniting the police facility.
A resident, speaking anonymously, said security personnel were overwhelmed, forcing people to hide in nearby bushes. “It was terrifying. People were running in different directions because of the heavy gunfire,” the source said.
Other residents said streets, usually busy during crossover celebrations, were deserted as worshippers abandoned church services, shops closed, and movement became restricted.
Confirming the attack on Thursday, state police spokesperson Abayomi Jimoh said the assailants targeted the police station, not any church.
He added that the station and some exhibits were destroyed, but no casualties had been reported at the time.
Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal condemned the incident as an “assault on peace and security in the state” and urged residents to remain calm.
Lawal ordered the immediate deployment of additional tactical teams, explosive ordnance disposal units, and mobile police personnel, while a coordinated manhunt for the attackers is ongoing.
The police promised further updates as investigations continue.
