- Safiu Kehinde
A group of unknown gunmen has stormed Ipele community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State with a police station set ablaze in a new year attack.
This was confirmed in a statement issued by the Ondo Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Jimoh Kazeem.
The Command’s spokesperson, who confirmed the incident to newsmen on Wednesday night in Akure, said personnel and officers had been deployed to the community.
“Yes, I can confirm to you that there is an attack this night at Ipele community, but the Commissioner of Police (CP) has ordered the deployment of officers, including the tactical teams to the community.
“The gunmen only burnt a Police station, but the church was not burnt. Meanwhile, the command will provide more details after proper briefing,” he said.
It was also gathered that the attackers numbering about 20, stormed the community around 10pm, shooting sporadically and forcing residents to flee their homes for safety.
One of the eyewitnesses, who pleaded anonymity, said the assailants targeted the police facility in the community, which was eventually razed during the attack.
“It was a terrorist attack. The attackers numbering about 20, came into Ipele community in commando style and began to shoot sporadically before attacking the Police Divisional Station in Ipele.
“It was a serious incident because many of us had to flee into the bush. The sounds from the attack was terrifying, and none of us could withstand it,” he said.
The eyewitness, therefore, said the motive for the attack was not known.