Bandits Bomb Ipele Police Station, Aiyedatiwa Fires Warning: “We’ll Bring Them To Justice”

In a dramatic escalation of insecurity in Southeastern Nigeria, suspected bandits attacked and bombed the Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo Local Government Area on New Year’s Eve, prompting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to vow a relentless manhunt and deliver justice.

Late on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, around 30 armed men riding motorcycles stormed the sleepy community of Ipele, firing shots and detonating explosives at the Police Headquarters as many residents were worshipping at crossover midnight services.

Security sources say the facility was significantly damaged, although no lives were lost and no neighbouring churches were hit during the assault.

Governor Aiyedatiwa condemned the dastardly attack during an emergency meeting with security chiefs in the State Capital, Akure, where he placed all Security formations on red alert and directed intensified patrols across towns and forested areas to avert further incidents.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Allen Sowore, the Governor commended the swift and coordinated response by the police, Military, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Amotekun Corps, saying their rapid deployment ensured that the attackers fled before causing casualties.

“Security Agencies in the State swung into action, forcing the assailants to flee and bringing the situation under firm control,” he said, adding that calm has since returned to the community.

The Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, along with AIG Zone 17, Ajani Omolabi, visited the damaged station to oversee the response and reassure residents that the security architecture remains robust.

Lawal dismissed circulating rumours on social media that lives were lost or churches were attacked, stressing that only the police station was affected and that the incident remains under investigation.

Security officials are probing whether the attack — involving dynamite and heavy gunfire — was meant to free detained accomplices, though authorities say it is too early to classify the assault as terrorism until suspects are arrested and properly identified.

Governor Aiyedatiwa has urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security forces, and continue their daily activities while investigators intensify efforts to track down and apprehend those responsible.