The Ondo State Police Command has commenced a manhunt for armed men who attacked and set ablaze the Ipele Divisional Police Headquarters in Ipele community on New Year’s Eve.
The attack, which occurred on Wednesday night, was reportedly carried out by a large group of gunmen, estimated to be between 20 and 30, who stormed the area and unleashed an assault on the police facility.
Although the motive behind the attack was not disclosed, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Adebowale Lawal, condemned the incident, describing it as an assault on public peace and security.
Images circulating on social media showed a vehicle within the station premises completely burnt, while parts of the building, including sections of the roof, were damaged by fire.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the command’s spokesperson, Mr Abayomi Jimoh, dismissed reports that a church was attacked during the incident, describing such claims as false.
He said preliminary findings revealed that the attackers invaded the station at about 9:41 p.m., firing rifles and deploying explosives before setting the facility ablaze.
Several exhibits and sections of the building were destroyed in the process, though no casualty was recorded.
Jimoh added that a joint team comprising the police, military, Civil Defence and other security stakeholders was immediately mobilised to the scene, but the attackers had fled before their arrival.
According to him, the Commissioner of Police has ordered the deployment of additional security assets to the area, including tactical units, Explosive Ordinance Disposal teams and personnel of the Police Mobile Force.
He assured residents that the situation was under control and urged them to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts intensify to apprehend those behind the attack.