Suspected bandits on Wednesday evening attacked a police station in the Ipele-Owo community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The incident occurred as Christians were preparing to go to church for crossover services, causing panic in the community as officers at the station and residents ran for their lives. The attackers reportedly burned down the police station.
An eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity, said about 20 attackers stormed the community around 10 p.m., shooting sporadically and forcing residents to flee their homes for safety.
“It was a terrorist attack. The attackers came in a commando style and began to shoot sporadically before attacking the Police Divisional Station in Ipele,” the eyewitness said. “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.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed the attack but said details were still sketchy. He added, “Yes it happened but we will get the details out tomorrow.”
State security agents have since been deployed to the community to calm the situation.
Recall that ISWAP terrorists attacked a Catholic church in Nigeria during mass in 2022, killing at least 50 people, including women and children.
Authorities and communities are being urged to consider measures that can prevent similar incidents in the future.
