SUNTV Global | January 1, 2026
The Ondo State Police Command has strongly condemned a violent attack on the Ipele Divisional Police Headquarters in Ose Local Government Area, clarifying that contrary to widespread social media reports, no church was targeted during the incident.
According to an official statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the attack occurred at about 9:41 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31, 2025, when a large group of armed men stormed the police facility.
Police investigations revealed that between 20 and 30 assailants, armed with assault rifles and explosives, launched a coordinated assault on the divisional headquarters. During the operation, the attackers fired sporadically and detonated explosives, setting parts of the police station ablaze.
The inferno led to the destruction of sections of the building and some police exhibits. However, the Command confirmed that no casualties were recorded at the time of filing the report, a development attributed to the swift response and tactical withdrawal by officers on duty.
“The claim circulating on social media that a church was attacked is false and misleading,” the police statement emphasized, urging members of the public to disregard unverified reports capable of causing panic.
Following the incident, a joint security patrol made up of personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other sister security agencies was immediately deployed to the area. However, by the time the reinforcements arrived, the attackers had fled the scene.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Adebowale Lawal, described the attack as a reprehensible act against public peace and security. He assured residents of Ipele and surrounding communities that the situation was under control and that security operations had been intensified to track down those responsible.
“We urge residents to remain calm and continue to support security agencies with credible information that can aid ongoing investigations,” the Commissioner said.
Meanwhile, earlier reports by SaharaReporters indicated that residents of the community were thrown into fear and panic in the early hours of Thursday, January 1, 2026, following the attack on the police facility. Many residents reportedly fled their homes and went into hiding as uncertainty spread across the area.
A video obtained by SaharaReporters showed the police station engulfed in flames, with several vehicles parked within the premises also razed during the attack. Some individuals believed to be police officers were later seen inspecting the scene, assessing the level of destruction after the fire was brought under control.
This latest incident adds to a troubling history of violent attacks in Ondo State. The state previously witnessed a deadly terrorist assault on June 5, 2022, when gunmen attacked St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, killing several worshippers and leaving the nation in shock during the administration of late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
As investigations continue, security agencies have reassured the public of their commitment to restoring confidence and preventing a recurrence, while calling on citizens to avoid spreading unconfirmed information that could heighten fear and tension.
SUNTV Global will continue to monitor developments and bring verified updates as the situation unfolds.
