Residents of Ipele-Owo in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State have alleged that the armed men who struck the community on New Year’s Eve were on a mission to abduct the traditional ruler.
The attackers, believed to be about 20, reportedly invaded the agrarian town around 10pm as residents were preparing for crossover church services.
In the process, a police station close to the palace was set ablaze, triggering panic and a mass flight by residents and officers on duty.
An eyewitness, Kunle, said the assailants opened sporadic fire on arrival, forcing people to flee for safety.
He claimed the palace was the primary target but security resistance thwarted the plan.
“It was an attempt to kidnap our monarch.
The police station near the palace was attacked, but they could not get to the palace.
“Thankfully, the monarch was saved and security operatives are now in control,” he said.
Another resident, who asked not to be named, described the incident as terrifying, likening it to a war situation.
He said many residents ran into nearby bushes to escape the gunfire before security operatives arrived to restore calm.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, said no life was lost in the attack.
Following the incident, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa convened an emergency security meeting in Akure, where he ordered intensified patrols across communities and forest corridors in the state.
He stressed that security remains a round-the-clock responsibility, especially during festive periods.
The governor said the swift response of security agencies, including the Joint Operations Task Force and Amotekun Corps, prevented casualties, even though the attackers gained access to the police station and detonated an explosive.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Olowo of Owo Kingdom, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, has sympathised with the people of Ipele over the attack.
In a statement by his media aide, Mr Sam Adewale, the monarch described the incident as sad and condemnable, urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.