Panic As Suspected Bandits Burn Ondo Police Station

Suspected bandits, on Wednesday night, launched a violent attack on a police station in the Ipele-Owo community of Owo Local Government Area, Ondo State, setting the facility ablaze and throwing the community into panic.

The incident occurred around 10 pm while many Christian residents were preparing for crossover services to mark the New Year, prompting both officers and civilians to flee for safety amid heavy gunfire.

Eyewitnesses who spoke with Punch said the attackers, numbering about 20, stormed the area in what was described as a “commando style” assault, shooting sporadically before descending on the Ipele Police Divisional Station.

“It was a terrorist attack. The attackers numbering about 20, came into the Ipele community in a commando style and began to shoot sporadically before attacking the Police Divisional Station in Ipele,” an eyewitness who spoke under anonymity 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 source added.

The spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed the incident but said the command was still gathering details.

“Yes it happened but we will get the details out tomorrow,” he said.

In the aftermath of the attack, security operatives were reportedly deployed to restore calm and secure the affected area.