Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has ordered the intensification of security 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 issued on Thursday after an emergency security meeting held in Akure, the state capital, in response to the New Year’s Eve attack by armed men.
The incident occurred around 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday when gunmen reportedly stormed the agrarian community, firing shots sporadically and setting the local police divisional station ablaze. The attack forced residents and police officers to flee for safety, triggering panic across the area.
Eyewitnesses said about 20 armed men invaded the community in a coordinated manner, shooting indiscriminately before targeting the police facility. Many residents reportedly ran into nearby bushes to escape the violence.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said he immediately contacted security agencies upon receiving reports of the attack and directed the deployment of additional security personnel, including the police and Nigerian Army, to secure the area and protect residents.
According to the governor, joint security operatives, including the Joint Task Force and the Amotekun Corps, were already on patrol across the state and in forested regions, enabling a swift response that prevented loss of life.
He confirmed that while the police station sustained damage, no casualties were recorded, and affected officers have since resumed patrol duties.
The governor explained that the emergency meeting focused on reviewing the security response, strengthening intelligence gathering and ensuring such incidents do not recur, especially as the attack took place while many residents were attending crossover night services.
Also speaking, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, said investigations were ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
Lawal dismissed reports circulating online alleging deaths or attacks on churches, stressing that no lives were lost and no religious facility was targeted.
He added that it was premature to label the incident as terrorism until arrests are made and investigations concluded, urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.
