Ondo Attack: Aiyedatiwa Orders Statewide Security Patrol
Ondo Attack: Aiyedatiwa Orders Statewide Security Patrol
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has mandated a surge in security patrols within local communities and forest regions throughout the state.
This order was delivered on Thursday during a strategic session with security heads in Akure, the state capital.
The emergency summit was organized following a violent raid by armed men on the Ipele-Owo community in Owo Local Government Area late Wednesday night, New Year’s Eve.
During the assault, which began around 10:00 PM, gunmen stormed the farming village and set fire to the local police station, forcing law enforcement and inhabitants to scramble for safety as gunfire rang out, sparking widespread terror.
Addressing the media after the meeting at the Government House Presidential Lodge—where he evaluated the emergency response and future prevention tactics—Aiyedatiwa noted that the violence took place while many were at church services welcoming the year 2026.
He explained that as soon as he was alerted, he reached out to the police and the Nigerian Army brigade commander to ensure additional troops were sent to reinforce patrols and safeguard the public.
The governor highlighted that operatives from the Amotekun Corps and the Joint Operations Task Force were already actively patrolling both urban centers and rural forests.
He stated, “Because of their quick deployment, the assailants, who managed to enter the station and detonate an explosive, were prevented from hurting any citizens.
“While they did manage to bypass security initially, the rapid intervention by our agencies was crucial in stabilizing the area. Fortunately, there were no fatalities.”
Aiyedatiwa clarified that the damage was limited to the police facility, noting that the officers on duty escaped unharmed and have since returned to their duties to maintain order.
He further noted that the briefing with security leaders was centered on analyzing the breach and refining strategies to ensure such an event is not repeated.
Adding to the governor’s remarks, State Police Commissioner Adebowale Lawal confirmed that the meeting included the military, DSS, Civil Defence, and Amotekun to coordinate a manhunt for the suspects.
Lawal refuted viral social media claims regarding deaths or attacks on religious buildings, emphasizing that no lives were lost and no churches were targeted.
The Commissioner added that an investigation is currently underway to assess the full scale of the destruction and to check for any equipment stolen from the station’s armory.
However, he cautioned against labeling the event an act of terrorism until the perpetrators are caught and interrogated.
“Identifying them as terrorists is premature. We will provide a definitive identification once our investigation is finalized and suspects are in custody,” Lawal remarked.
He concluded by reassuring the public that Ondo State remains among the most secure regions in the south, urging people to stay calm and trust in the capacity of the security forces.
