By Our Reporter
Ondo State Government has placed all security formations in the state on red alert following an attack on the Divisional Police Station in Ipele, Owo Local Government Area.
The attack, carried out by suspected bandits riding motorcycles, occurred in the late hours of Wednesday, December 31, 2025, while residents were marking the New Year celebration.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Mr Allen Sowore, the state government said security agencies responded swiftly to the incident, forcing the attackers to flee.
According to the statement, the coordinated response of security operatives brought the situation under control and significantly limited the extent of damage.
The government clarified that only the police facility was attacked, dismissing reports circulating on social media that a church was involved.
It further confirmed that no life was lost during the incident and assured residents that calm had since returned to Ipele, with security operatives maintaining a strong presence in the area while trailing the fleeing suspects.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the statement added, has directed that all security formations across Ondo State be placed on red alert to prevent any further breach of security.
Residents of Ipele and other parts of the state were urged to remain calm and continue their lawful activities as security agencies intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has also condemned the attack, describing it as a grave assault on peace and public safety.
In a separate statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the command said the incident occurred at about 9:41 p.m. on Wednesday, when between 20 and 30 armed men invaded the Ipele Divisional Police Headquarters.
The attackers reportedly fired assault rifles and deployed dynamite, setting the station ablaze and destroying the building as well as several exhibits.
The police, however, confirmed that no casualty was recorded.
The command explained that upon receiving the distress call, a joint patrol team comprising personnel of the police, military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other non-state actors was mobilised to the scene, but the attackers had fled before their arrival.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Adebowale Lawal, strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a tragic and reprehensible act against the security of the state.
He reassured residents that the situation was firmly under control.
The police commissioner has consequently ordered the immediate deployment of additional operational assets to the area, including tactical teams, Explosive Ordnance Disposal–Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) units, as well as Police Mobile Force personnel.
A coordinated manhunt for the attackers is currently underway.
The police command said further developments would be communicated as investigations progress.
