Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has said the swift response of security agencies prevented casualties during the attack on the Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo Local Government Area of the state.
The governor stated this while speaking after an emergency security meeting with heads of security agencies at the Government House in Akure, following the New Year’s Eve attack by gunmen on the community.
Aiyedatiwa explained that the incident occurred late on Wednesday night when the attackers breached the police facility and discharged an explosive, causing damage to the station. He noted, however, that the rapid deployment of security operatives ensured that no lives were lost.
According to the governor, upon receiving reports of the attack, he immediately contacted the police authorities and the Brigade Commander of the Nigerian Army, directing that additional security personnel be deployed to the area to support officers already on patrol.
He said operatives of the Joint Operations Task Force, Amotekun Corps and other security agencies were already carrying out round-the-clock patrols across communities and forest areas in the state, a move that helped to contain the situation.
“Somehow, the attackers were able to breach security, but the swift response of the security agencies greatly curtailed the situation. Nobody lost their life,” the governor said.
Aiyedatiwa added that although the police station was damaged, all officers on duty survived and rejoined their colleagues to maintain security in the area and prevent further criminal activities.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the safety of lives and property, stressing that security remains a 24-hour responsibility, particularly during festive periods.
The governor assured residents that measures have been strengthened to prevent a recurrence, urging them to remain calm and continue to cooperate with security agencies.
Security agencies have since intensified patrols in the affected area and investigations are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators
