Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has strongly condemned the attack and bombing of the Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo Local Government Area, which occurred on New Year’s Eve. The governor made a resolute pledge to track down and prosecute all those responsible for the incident. This commitment was reinforced following an emergency meeting of the State Security Council in Akure, convened specifically to review the breach of security.

Reports indicate that approximately 30 armed assailants, riding on motorcycles, launched the attack late Wednesday night while many residents were attending crossover church services. They stormed the police facility and detonated an explosive device. Governor Aiyedatiwa disclosed that security agencies across the state have been placed on full alert to prevent any further security breaches. He commended the swift and coordinated response of security operatives, which compelled the attackers to retreat, ensuring the situation was quickly brought under control and its impact significantly limited. Despite the attackers breaching the facility and setting off an explosive, no lives were lost due to the rapid intervention of security forces. The damage was confined solely to the police station building, and all officers on duty were unharmed, having since resumed patrols to maintain security in the area.

Adding to the state's response, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 17, Ajani Musibau, visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment, accompanied by the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, and other senior officers from various security agencies. AIG Musibau unequivocally condemned the assault, describing it as a grave and unacceptable threat to public peace and security. The inspection team examined the extensive damage, confirming that the police station building and several important exhibits were destroyed when the assailants reportedly set the facility ablaze. Reaffirming that no casualties were recorded among the stationed officers, AIG Musibau expressed deep concern over the scale of destruction.

He vowed that the Nigeria Police Force would spare no effort in identifying and prosecuting those accountable for what he termed an unforgivable assault on Ondo State's security architecture. The AIG assured that all lawful and operational measures would be deployed to track down the perpetrators, and that security in the area has been reinforced. Furthermore, he disclosed plans for welfare arrangements for affected personnel and the reconstruction of the damaged police station.

In his remarks, Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, commended the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, noting that ongoing reforms and technological innovations have strengthened policing operations. CP Lawal also acknowledged Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa's consistent support for security agencies. He assured residents that the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has intensified efforts to apprehend those behind the attack, deploying additional operational resources including Tactical Units, Explosive Ordnance Disposal-Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) teams, and Police Mobile Force units to restore and sustain security.

The commissioner urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements, assuring them that the situation is under control and investigations remain ongoing.