There was palpable fear in the ancient town of Ipele in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State on Wednesday night, as suspected terrorists set ablaze the Divisional Police Station in the town.
Thefrontrank reports that the incident threw the community in panic as residents fled into neighbouring communities and bushes.
The attack forced residents to abandon worship centres for the New Year crossover service.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command said that the attack happened at about 9:41 p.m.
The spokesperson for the command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh in a statement issued in the early hours of Thursday, explained that a group of armed men numbering between 20 and 30 invaded the police station, firing assault rifles and deploying dynamite.
The statement read: ” The Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, psc(+), mnips, has condemned an attack on the Ipele Divisional Police Headquarters in Ondo State, which occurred on 31st December, 2025.
“The Command clarified that, contrary to reports circulating on social media, no church was attacked during the incident.
“According to preliminary reports, at about 9:41 p.m., a group of armed men numbering between 20 and 30 invaded the police station, firing assault rifles and deploying dynamite.
“The attackers set the station ablaze, leading to the destruction of the building and several exhibits.
“However, no life was lost in the attack as of the time of this report.
“Upon receipt of the report, a joint patrol comprising the Police, Military, Civil Defence, and other non-state actors promptly mobilized to the scene; however, the attackers had already carried out the act before their arrival.
“Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a tragic and reprehensible act against the peace and security of Ondo State.
“He urged members of the public to remain calm, assuring them that the situation is firmly under control.
“Consequently, the CP has ordered the immediate deployment of additional operational assets, including Tactical Teams, Explosive Ordnance Disposal–Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) units, and Police Mobile Force personnel to the area while the situation is under control.
“A coordinated manhunt for the attackers is currently underway.
“Further developments will be communicated in due course.”
A local described the incident as “terrifying”, as many residents had to escape into the bushes to avoid being killed.
