Unidentified gunmen on Wednesday attacked and set fire to the Divisional Police Headquarters in the Ipele community of Owo Local Government Area, Ondo State.
Witnesses said the attack occurred around 9:40 pm, during which several police exhibits were destroyed. Four vehicles and 15 motorcycles within the station premises were also burnt.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that no casualties were recorded. The police further clarified that reports claiming a church was attacked were false.
“According to preliminary reports, at about 9:41 p.m., 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,” the police spokesperson said.
It was explained that the attackers fled before security operatives arrived at the scene.
“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.”
The police added that the Commissioner of Police has ordered the deployment of additional security personnel and resources to the area to prevent any breakdown of law and order and to track down those responsible for the attack.
“Consequently, the CP has ordered the immediate deployment of additional operational assets, including Tactical Teams, Explosive Ordnance Disposal–Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear units, and Police Mobile Force personnel to the area while the situation is under control. A coordinated manhunt for the attackers is currently underway.”
