Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has forcefully vowed to apprehend and bring to justice the bandits responsible for the devastating bombing of the divisional police station in Ipele, Owo Local Government Area, on New Year’s Eve. This strong commitment was made following an urgent security council meeting convened in Akure to thoroughly assess the grave incident. Approximately 30 suspected bandits, reportedly traveling on motorcycles, launched the attack and detonated explosives at the Ipele Divisional Police Station late on Wednesday night, disrupting the New Year’s Eve night services many residents were attending. Governor Aiyedatiwa immediately declared that all security formations throughout the state have been placed on high alert to proactively prevent any further security breaches and ensure the safety of citizens. Security agencies in the state reacted with impressive speed, compelling the assailants to abandon their destructive mission. The swift and coordinated response from these agencies was instrumental in bringing the volatile situation under firm control, significantly mitigating the extent of the damage inflicted. Although the attackers managed to breach the station’s security and deploy an explosive device, their rapid mobilization prevented any loss of life, a crucial detail highlighted by the governor. He confirmed that the damage was confined solely to the police station, with all officers surviving and quickly rejoining patrols to deter any subsequent criminal activities. The emergency meeting with security chiefs was paramount in reviewing the attack, evaluating the effectiveness of the security response, and strategizing to ensure such acts of violence do not reoccur in the future. What is the immediate aftermath of the Ondo police station bombing? The immediate aftermath saw all security formations in Ondo State placed on red alert, with security agencies swiftly responding to repel the attackers and bring the situation under control, ensuring no lives were lost. Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, detailed that the governor convened the emergency session with key security leaders, including the police, military, DSS, Civil Defence, and Amotekun, to assess the situation and implement strategies for the perpetrators’ apprehension. Commissioner Lawal firmly dismissed unsubstantiated reports circulating on social media that suggested casualties or attacks on churches, reaffirming that no lives were lost and no churches were impacted by the incident. He stressed that investigations are actively underway to ascertain the full extent of the damage and to identify any items potentially looted from the police armoury, cautioning that it is premature to categorize the event as a terrorist attack until arrests are made and evidence is conclusive. It is too early to definitively label the attackers as terrorists. Once thorough investigations are completed and arrests are made, the identities and motives of those responsible will be clearly established. The police commissioner took the opportunity to reassure residents that Ondo State continues to be recognized as one of the safest states in Southern Nigeria, urging citizens to remain calm and maintain their trust in the capabilities of the security agencies. The people of Ondo should remain calm and continue to place their confidence in our abilities to protect them. In a related development, Commissioner Lawal, accompanied by AIG Zone 17 Ajani Omolabi, visited the site of the bombed divisional police station to conduct a firsthand assessment of the damage. The commissioner vehemently condemned the attack, characterizing it as a tragic and utterly reprehensible act aimed at undermining the peace and security of Ondo State. The governor’s commitment to justice signifies a strong stance against banditry and terrorism within the state. Investigations are ongoing to identify the group behind the attack and their motivations. The proactive measures implemented by the state government are crucial for restoring public confidence and ensuring future safety. The incident underscores the persistent security challenges faced in parts of Nigeria and the importance of robust law enforcement responses. The swift action taken by the Ondo State security forces is a testament to their preparedness and dedication.
