In the early hours of Wednesday, 1st January 2026, while residents of Ondo State were in the celebratory mood to usher in the New Year, suspected bandits riding on motorcycles attacked and vandalised the Divisional Police Station at Ipele, in Owo Local Government Area of the state.
Security agencies in the state swiftly swung into action, forcing the assailants to flee. The proactive and coordinated response of the security agencies have since brought the security situation under firm control while significantly reducing the supposed extent of the damage.
Following a thorough assessment, the Ondo State Government can confirm that only the police facility was affected. No church was attacked and no life was lost during the incident.
Calm has since returned to the community, as security agencies have taken charge of the area and are currently on the trail of the fleeing assailants.
Meanwhile, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has directed that all security formations across the state be placed on red alert to forestall any further security breach.
The Ondo State Government reassures residents of Ipele and the entire state of their safety and urges them to remain calm and go about their lawful activities, while security agencies intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Allen Sowore Esq
Special Adviser to the Ondo state Governor
(Communication & Strategy)
1st January, 2026.
