Gunmen attack Ondo Police station on new year’s eve

...as Aiyedatiwa orders security clampdown

By Idowu Adebomi

Yet to be identified gunmen on on New Year’s Eve attacked the Ipele Divisional Police Headquarters in Owo Local Government Area, Ondo state.

The attack occurred at approximately 9:41 p.m. on December 31, 2025. According to police reports, the gunmen stormed the facility using assault rifles and explosives, including dynamite, before setting the station ablaze. While the building and several exhibits were destroyed, authorities confirmed that no lives were lost.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the Command dismissed viral social media reports claiming that a church had also been targeted.

"No place of worship was involved in the incident," Jimoh clarified. He added that while a joint patrol team of police, military, and NSCDC personnel was quickly mobilized, the perpetrators had already fled the scene.

Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal described the act as "reprehensible" and has ordered the immediate deployment of tactical teams and Police Mobile Force personnel, EOD-CBRN Units (Explosives Ordnance Disposal) to sweep the area and a coordinated manhunt to apprehend the suspects.

Following an emergency security meeting at the Government House in Akure, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa directed an intensified security clampdown across the state’s communities and forest corridors.

In a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the Governor noted that he is prioritizing 24-hour surveillance to prevent any recurrence.

“The swift response of our security agencies helped greatly to curtail the situation,” Governor Aiyedatiwa said. “Security operatives, including the Joint Operations Task Force and Amotekun Rangers, were already on patrol, which ensured the attackers were unable to cause harm to lives.”

CP Adebowale Lawal, speaking after the emergency meeting with heads of the DSS, Military, and Amotekun Corps, cautioned against speculating on the identity of the attackers.

“It is too early to conclude that they were terrorists,” Lawal stated. “Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage and whether any items were removed from the station's armoury.”

The state government has urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, reassuring the public that Ondo remains one of the safest states in Southern Nigeria.