Residents of Ipele community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State were thrown into fear and confusion on Wednesday night after suspected bandits launched a violent attack on the area, setting the Divisional Police Station ablaze in what eyewitnesses described as a coordinated and terrifying assault.
Akahi News gathered that the attackers, numbering about 20, stormed the agrarian community around 10:00pm on New Year’s Eve, firing sporadic gunshots that sent residents scampering for safety. The heavily armed assailants reportedly targeted the police facility with intense firepower before eventually razing the station.
A Night of Fear and Chaos
According to residents who spoke with Akahi News, the attackers operated for several hours, overwhelming security operatives on duty. An eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity for security reasons, described the incident as a “terror-like operation”.
“It was a terrorist attack. The attackers, numbering about 20, came into Ipele and started shooting sporadically before attacking the Police Divisional Station. Many of us had to flee into the bush because the sound of gunshots was terrifying,” the resident said.
Another resident noted that the scale of the violence was unprecedented in the community, adding that such an incident had never been witnessed in Ipele before.
Residents Flee as Security Is Overrun
Findings by Akahi News revealed that the gunmen, who were reportedly armed to the teeth, overpowered the security operatives stationed at the division. Their coordinated movement and prolonged operation reportedly left residents traumatised, with many abandoning their homes overnight for fear of further attacks.
As of press time, the motive behind the attack remains unclear, while the exact number of casualties, if any, has not been officially confirmed.
Security Agencies Deployed
In response to the incident, security agencies including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Amotekun Corps have been deployed to the area to restore calm and investigate the attack.
Confirming the development, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Abayomi, stated that details surrounding the incident would be made public after proper assessment and briefing.
Growing Security Concerns
The attack has once again raised concerns about the worsening security situation in parts of the country, especially rural and agrarian communities increasingly targeted by armed groups. Residents are calling for a stronger security presence and proactive measures to prevent a recurrence.
Akahi News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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