Fear spread through Ipele, an ancient town in the Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, after suspected terrorists reportedly set the Divisional Police Station in the community on fire.
An unverified source also claimed that a church was attacked during the incident.
A resident said the attack caused widespread panic, forcing many inhabitants to flee to neighbouring communities for safety.
According to him, “the attackers, who numbered about twenty, stormed the community around 10 pm, shooting sporadically and forcing residents scampering for safety.
“The assailants targeted the police facility in the community, which they eventually set ablaze during the attack.
“They came in commando style and operated for several hours before fleeing the scene.
“Security personnel who rushed to the scene were overwhelmed by the intensity of the assault hence they had a field day.”
Another resident described the incident as a terrorist attack, saying the gunmen arrived in a coordinated manner, fired indiscriminately, and later attacked the police station.
“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,” he said.
The motive behind the attack was not immediately clear, but several residents reportedly abandoned the community out of fear.
A traditional leader in the area described the incident as “terrifying,” noting that many residents escaped into nearby bushes to avoid being harmed.
Security sources indicated that senior security officials in the state have ordered the deployment of additional personnel to restore calm in the affected community.
When contacted, the state police spokesperson confirmed that the attack occurred but said full details were still being compiled, adding that more information would be provided later.
