Following the New Year’s Eve attack on Ipele Police Station in Owo Local Government Area, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has ordered a surge in security patrols across communities and forested areas to prevent further incidents.
The Governor gave the directive on Thursday during a meeting with heads of security agencies in the state to review the attack and strengthen preventive measures. Speaking to journalists in Akure after the session, Aiyedatiwa emphasized the need for swift and coordinated responses to protect residents and public facilities.
He explained that the attack occurred late on Wednesday night, while many residents were attending church services to usher in 2026. “Upon receiving the report, I immediately contacted the Police and the Brigade Commander of the Nigeria Army. I instructed that security personnel be deployed to support officers on patrol and safeguard communities”, the Governor said.
Aiyedatiwa highlighted that members of the Joint Operations Task Force and Amotekun Rangers were already patrolling the state and forested areas, and their rapid response prevented any casualties. “The attackers were able to breach the station and discharge an explosive, but no lives were lost. Only the police station suffered damage, and all officers are safe and have resumed duties”, he added.
The emergency meeting focused on evaluating the incident, assessing the state’s security readiness, and devising strategies to prevent similar attacks.
Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Adebowale Lawal, confirmed that the Governor’s emergency session involved the police, military, DSS, Civil Defence, and Amotekun, with the aim of apprehending the perpetrators and ensuring enhanced vigilance across the state.
