How 30 Gunmen Attacked and Bombed Ipele Police Station in Ondo State

---

The Ondo State Police Command has given details on how a large group of armed men violently attacked the Divisional Police Station located in Ipele community, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, on New Year’s Eve.

According to information released by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Jimoh Abayomi, the attack was executed by approximately 30 heavily armed gunmen who arrived at the police facility late in the night. The assailants reportedly stormed the station at about 10:00 p.m., wielding sophisticated weapons, including assault rifles and explosives.

The police spokesperson explained that the attackers were well-armed and coordinated, using dynamite to breach the facility. The sudden invasion caused panic within the community, forcing residents to flee their homes in search of safety as loud gunshots and explosions echoed through the area.

This violent incident occurred only days after the Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed that more than 35 suspected terrorists had been intercepted within a forest in Ondo State. These suspects were said to be fleeing from aerial bombardments carried out during security operations in Sokoto State, a development that had already heightened security concerns in the region.

Mr. Abayomi confirmed that the attack on the police station resulted in severe damage to the facility. He stated that the building was set on fire, leading to the destruction of police exhibits and property housed within the station. The violent operation significantly disrupted peace in the community and posed a serious threat to public safety.

While initial accounts indicated that lives were lost during the incident, preliminary police reports later clarified that as of the time of the official briefing, no casualties had been confirmed. The police maintained that investigations were ongoing to establish the full extent of the damage and verify all details surrounding the attack.

Describing the assault as a grave attack on law and order, the police spokesperson appealed to residents of the state to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information. He reassured the public that the security situation in Ipele and surrounding areas was under control.

The Ondo State Police Command also revealed that a joint security operation had been launched immediately after the incident. In collaboration with other security agencies in the state, a manhunt was initiated to track down the fleeing attackers, who reportedly escaped the community shortly after carrying out the assault.

Providing further insight, the police disclosed that the Commissioner of Police had ordered the urgent deployment of additional security resources to the affected area. These include Tactical Teams, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) unit, as well as Police Mobile Force personnel. The objective of this deployment is to prevent further attacks, restore public confidence, and ensure the continued safety of residents.

Authorities reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property across Ondo State, assuring citizens that proactive measures are being taken to address emerging security threats and bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice.