…“The suspected terrorists came in commando style and operated for several hours before escaping.
ONDO, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Tension swept through the ancient town of Ipele in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State after suspected terrorists reportedly set the Divisional Police Station on fire.
Unconfirmed reports also suggested that the attackers targeted a church during the incident.
A resident told iNews Times on Monday night that the attack threw the entire community into panic, forcing many residents to flee to neighbouring towns and nearby bushes for safety.
According to him, about 20 armed men stormed the area around 10 p.m., firing sporadically and causing widespread fear. The assailants reportedly focused their attack on the police facility, which they eventually razed.
“They came in commando style and operated for several hours before escaping. Security personnel who later arrived were overwhelmed by the intensity of the assault, giving the attackers free rein,” the source said.
Another resident described the incident as a suspected terrorists attack, saying the gunmen arrived in a coordinated manner, opened fire and later set the Ipele Divisional Police Station ablaze.
“It was terrifying. Many of us ran into the bush because the gunfire was too intense to withstand,” he said, adding that the attackers’ motive was still unclear.
A community chief also described the incident as frightening, noting that many residents had been forced to seek refuge in surrounding bushes to avoid being killed.
iNews Times gathered that top security officials in the state have ordered the immediate deployment of additional security personnel to the affected community.
When contacted, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, confirmed the attack but said details were still sketchy, assuring that the command would release more information later.
