Ondo Attack: Aiyedatiwa Orders Intensified Patrols In Communities, Forests

Following the New Year’s Eve attack on Ipele Police Station in Owo local government area, Ondo State governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has directed intensified patrols in communities and forests.

Aiyedatiwa said security remains a 24-hour responsibility, especially during festive periods.

The governor spoke on Thursday after an emergency meeting with heads of security agencies at the Presidential Lodge, Government House, Akure, the state capital.

Aiyedatiwa, who reviewed the response to the attack and measures to prevent its recurrence, explained that the incident occurred late on Wednesday night. At the same time, many residents attended night services, ushering in the new year.

Upon receiving the report, the governor immediately contacted the police commissioner and the army brigade commander. He instructed them to deploy additional security personnel to support officers on patrol and protect residents.

Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that security operatives, including members of the Joint Operations Task Force and Amotekun Rangers, were already patrolling the state and forested areas.

He stated that their rapid mobilisation ensured that the attackers, who breached the station and discharged an explosive, harmed no one.

“Somehow they breached security, but the swift response of the security agencies helped greatly to curtail the situation. Nobody lost their life,” the governor said.

It was gathered that only the police station was damaged, while all the officers survived and rejoined colleagues on patrol to prevent further criminal activity.

The emergency meeting with security chiefs focused on reviewing the incident, assessing the response, and preventing similar acts.

Ondo State Police Commissioner Adebowale Lawal, who also spoke, stated that the governor convened the session with the heads of the police, military, DSS, Civil Defence, and Amotekun. The goal was to assess the situation and activate strategies to apprehend the perpetrators.

Lawal dismissed social media reports of casualties or church attacks, affirming that no lives were lost and no church was affected.

According to him, investigations will continue to determine the extent of damage, including items looted from the police armoury, cautioning against prematurely labelling the attack a terrorist attack until arrests are made.

“It is too early to conclude they were terrorists. Once investigations are complete and arrests are made, we will identify those responsible,” the commissioner said.

Lawal reassured residents that Ondo State remains one of the safest in southern Nigeria. He urged citizens to stay calm and maintain confidence in security agencies.