Suspected terrorists attack Ondo community, raze police station

From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure

Suspected terrorists on Wednesday night struck in ipele, a community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, setting the Divisional Police Station in the town on fire.

The suspected terrorists numbering 30 reportedly stormed the town by 10.00pm, shooting sporadically into the air, a situation which forced residents to flee their homes and scamper for safety.

Confirmed sources told our correspondent that the terrorists attacked the police station in the town and successfully set it ablaze.

It was gathered that security personnel in the town were overwhelmed by the intensity of the attack, as the suspected terrorists operated for close to an hour after which they flew to an unknown location.

“It was a serious incident because many of us had to flee into the bush. The sounds from the attack were terrifying, and none of us could withstand it,” a source said.

There was no official confirmation of casualties as at press time but it was gathered that security agents have since been deployed to the area.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the state police command, Mr Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed the attack.

The PPRO said “the Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police condemn 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, 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,” he added.