Residents of Ipele-Owo in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State have recounted a night of terror following a late-night attack by suspected bandits on New Year’s Eve.
The assailants reportedly stormed the agrarian community at about 10 p.m., unleashing sporadic gunfire that sent residents and security personnel scrambling for safety. During the invasion, the divisional police station located near the palace of the traditional ruler was set ablaze.
The incident occurred as many residents were preparing to attend crossover church services, abruptly turning what should have been a moment of celebration into fear and chaos.
An eyewitness, Kunle, said the attackers’ primary target was the palace, with an alleged plan to abduct the community’s monarch.
“The operation was aimed at kidnapping our king. Because the police station is close to the palace, it was attacked and burnt during the process,” he said, adding that the monarch was eventually rescued and the gunmen failed to breach the palace.
Another resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the attack as traumatic, saying panic spread across the community as gunshots rang out in the darkness.
“It was like a war scene. They arrived suddenly and started shooting. Many people ran into the bush to hide. Even now, people are still shaken,” the resident said.
He added that security operatives later arrived in the area, although the motive behind the attack on the police facility remains unclear.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, said no lives were lost during the attack.
In reaction, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa convened an emergency security meeting in Akure and directed security agencies to intensify patrols across communities and forest reserves in the state.
The governor reaffirmed that security is a continuous responsibility, particularly during festive periods, and assured residents that operatives of the Joint Task Force, the Nigeria Police, and Amotekun Corps have been deployed to patrol vulnerable areas to forestall further attacks.