Unidentified gunmen on Wednesday night set the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ipele community, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, ablaze, in a coordinated attack that destroyed the facility and several items within the premises.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants struck at about 9:40 p.m., leaving behind extensive damage, including four vehicles and 15 motorcycles, which were completely burnt during the attack.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Police Abayomi Jimoh, who assured that no lives were lost.
Jimoh also dismissed reports circulating on social media suggesting that a church was attacked during the incident, describing such claims as false and misleading.
“Preliminary reports indicate that at about 9:41 p.m., a group of armed men, estimated to be between 20 and 30 in number, invaded the police station, firing assault rifles and deploying explosives,” the statement read.
“The attackers set the station on fire, resulting in the destruction of the building and several exhibits. However, no casualties were recorded as of the time of this report.”
According to the police, the attackers fled the scene before security operatives could arrive.
“Upon receiving the distress report, a joint patrol team comprising personnel of the Police, Military, Civil Defence, and other security partners immediately mobilised to the area. Unfortunately, the attackers had already carried out the act and escaped before their arrival,” Jimoh said.
In response, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Adebowale Lawal, has ordered the deployment of additional security forces to the community to prevent any breakdown of law and order and to track down those responsible.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has directed the immediate deployment of additional operational assets, including Tactical Teams, Explosive Ordnance Disposal–Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) units, as well as Police Mobile Force personnel,” the statement added.
The police said the situation in Ipele is under control, while a coordinated manhunt for the attackers is ongoing.
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