Photos: Gunmen set ablaze Ondo Police station on New Year’s Eve

Gunmen on Wednesday night attacked Ipele community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, setting the divisional police station in the area on fire and throwing residents into panic.

The attack, which occurred on New Year’s Eve, forced residents to flee their homes and disrupted crossover services across the agrarian community.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen, estimated to be between 20 and 30, stormed the community at about 9:41 p.m., firing sporadically and creating widespread fear.

According to residents, the attackers deployed explosives before setting the police facility ablaze.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the scale and intensity of the assault overwhelmed security operatives on duty and left residents with no option but to flee.

Read also: Three killed in Nasarawa community attack as Migili youths condemn violence

“It was terrifying. People were running in different directions because of the heavy gunfire,” the resident said.

Other residents said streets that are usually busy during crossover celebrations were completely deserted, as worshippers abandoned church services midway, shops were hastily shut and movement became restricted.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Thursday, Abayomi Jimoh, the Ondo State Police public relations officer, said the attack was specifically directed at the police station and not at any church.

He said the assault resulted in the destruction of the divisional police station and some exhibits, but noted that no casualties had been recorded as of the time of filing the report.

Adebowale Lawal, the commissioner of police in Ondo State, condemned the incident, describing it as an “assault on peace and security in the state.”

Lawal urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that the situation was under control.

He ordered the immediate deployment of additional tactical teams, explosive ordnance disposal units and police mobile force personnel to the area, while a coordinated manhunt for the attackers has been launched.

The police said further updates would be provided as investigations into the attack continue.

Taofeek Oyedokun is a correspondent at BusinessDay with years of experience reporting on political economy, public policy, migration, environment/climate change, and social justice. A graduate of Political Science from the University of Lagos, he has also earned multiple professional certificates in journalism and media-related training. Known for his clear, data-driven reporting, Oyedokun covers a wide range of national and international socioeconomic issues, bringing depth, balance, and public-interest focus to his work.

Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date