Following a New Year’s Eve explosive attack on the Ipele Police Station in Owo Local Government Area, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has directed security agencies to intensify 24-hour patrols across all communities and forest zones in the state.
The governor issued the directive on Thursday, after an emergency security meeting at the Government House in Akure with heads of the Police, Military, DSS, Civil Defence, and Amotekun Corps.
The meeting was called to review the state’s response to the late-night assault and prevent any recurrence during the festive period.
READ ALSO: Aiyedatiwa signs ₦524bn 2026 budget, allocates 27.6% for infrastructure, 12.3% for education
The attack occurred late on Wednesday night while residents were attending crossover services to usher in the new year.
According to preliminary reports, a group of about 20 to 30 gunmen breached the station and deployed explosives (dynamite), setting the facility ablaze.
Despite the intensity of the attack, which damaged the building and several vehicles, Aiyedatiwa confirmed that a swift joint response by security operatives ensured no casualties were recorded.
“Somehow they were able to breach security, but the swift response of the security agencies helped greatly to curtail the situation. Nobody lost their life,” the governor stated, adding that all officers survived and have already rejoined their units on patrol.
To restore public confidence, the governor announced that the Joint Operations Task Force and Amotekun Rangers have been fully mobilized to comb forest areas and maintain a visible presence in all 18 local government areas.
“Security remains a 24-hour responsibility,” Aiyedatiwa emphasised, urging residents to remain calm and go about their lawful activities.
However, the state Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, addressed the emergency session to dispel “fake news” circulating on social media.
He stated that no church was attacked or affected by the gunmen, no casualties were recorded among civilians or security personnel and the attack was strictly directed at the police facility.
READ ALSO: Aiyedatiwa declares Ondo ready for global investment, competition
The Commissioner cautioned against labeling the incident a “terrorist attack” prematurely, noting that investigations are still ongoing to identify the perpetrators and determine if items were looted from the station’s armory.
Lawal echoed this sentiment, reassuring the public that the state remains one of the safest in Southern Nigeria and that a coordinated manhunt for the attackers is currently underway.
For more details, visit New Daily Prime at www.newdailyprime.news
