Residents of Ipele, a community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, southwestern Nigeria, were thrown into fear and confusion late on Wednesday night following an armed attack on a police station by suspected bandits.
The incident occurred on Wednesday night, January 1, 2026, as Christian worshippers in the community were preparing to attend crossover church services marking the transition into the New Year. The sudden eruption of gunfire forced both residents and security personnel to flee for safety.
According to accounts from the area, the attackers targeted the Police Divisional Station located in Ipele, overwhelming the facility and eventually setting it ablaze. The assault reportedly created panic across the community, with families abandoning their homes in fear of being caught in the violence.
Okay News reports that an eyewitness, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the attackers arrived in significant numbers and operated in an organized and aggressive manner.
“It was a terrorist attack. The attackers numbering about 20, came into the Ipele community in a commando style and began to shoot sporadically before attacking the Police Divisional Station in Ipele,” the eyewitness said.
The witness added that the intensity of the gunfire left residents with no option but to flee into nearby bushes to escape harm.
“It was a serious incident because many of us had to flee into the bush. The sounds from the attack were terrifying, and none of us could withstand it,” the eyewitness said.
When contacted for official confirmation, the Ondo State Police Command spokesperson, Jimoh Abayomi, who serves as the Police Public Relations Officer for the Nigeria Police Force in the state, acknowledged that the incident occurred but said full details were still being compiled.
“Yes it happened but we will get the details out tomorrow,” Abayomi said.
Security sources later indicated that additional state security operatives were deployed to Ipele to stabilize the situation, reassure residents, and prevent further attacks.
The attack adds to growing concerns over rural security in parts of southwestern Nigeria, as communities increasingly report violent incursions targeting security installations and civilians alike.
