Residents of Ipele-Owo in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State have recounted how gunmen invaded their community on New Year’s Eve in what was described as a foiled attempt to abduct the traditional ruler.

The attack which occurred around 10pm, threw the community into panic as the assailants fired shots into the air and set a police station near the palace ablaze, forcing residents and police officers to flee.

An eyewitness said about 20 armed men, riding on motorcycles, stormed the town while many residents were preparing to attend crossover church services, prompting people to run for safety.

A resident, identified simply as Kunle, told journalists on Saturday that the gunmen were heading towards the palace to abduct the monarch, adding that the police station was targeted because of its proximity to the royal residence.

He said the plot was thwarted by the swift response of security operatives, who secured the monarch and prevented the attackers from gaining access to the palace.

Another resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the incident as terrifying, noting that many residents ran into nearby bushes to escape the gunfire before security agents eventually restored calm.

Meanwhile, the Olowo of Owo Kingdom and Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, has called on residents of Ipele to remain vigilant following the New Year’s Eve attack on the local police station.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Sam Adewale, the monarch described the assault as “very sad and condemnable,” noting that it was aimed at disrupting peace and spoiling the festive atmosphere of the yuletide season.

Oba Ogunoye, who said no lives were lost in the incident, described the preservation of human life as a major relief despite the destruction of property.

He commiserated with the monarch of Ipele, the Nigeria Police Force and the entire community, assuring them of his full support and solidarity during the difficult period.

The monarch urged citizens to be security-conscious and proactive, advising them to report any suspicious movements or unfamiliar faces to the nearest security agency or trusted community leaders.

He stressed that community cooperation with security agencies is crucial for protecting lives and property, adding that collective responsibility remains the most effective strategy against crime.

The statement added, “He prayed for divine protection over the people, security personnel and the land, while expressing confidence that with unity, vigilance, cooperation with Security Agencies and God’s help, peace will continue to reign across Owo Local Government Area and Ondo State at large.”

Assessing the level of the attack on the Police Divisional Station, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Adebowale Lawal had vowed to clamp down on the terrorists behind the violent attack and destruction of the police facility.

The police boss, who visited the affected station in the company of other officers of the command, further affirmed that no life was lost and no church was destroyed during the attack.

He explained that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has already held a meeting with the security chiefs – which included the police, the military, the DSS, NSCDC, and the Amotekun Corps in order to get a proper briefing of the attack.

“Following the meeting held with the governor, we will be able to assess the situation of what happened yesterday and come up with strategies that we would activate in ensuring this attack doesn’t occur again in our state.

“Also, let me correct this rumour on social media. No life was lost, and no church was attacked, but i want to assure you that we are up to the task. We are going to ensure that the perpetrators of this dastardly attack do not escape justice.

“Shortly after we leave here, we are going to meet again to continue with our deliberations, and that is going to be within the hands of the security agencies.

“You recall that prior to now, Ondo is one of the safest states in Nigeria. So if this happened yesterday, well, it’s something that we’ve been proactive, but this time around, we are going to be reactive.”

He added, “At the end of the investigation, we will be able to come up with what and what was looted and if is a terrorist attack, well, I wouldn’t call it a terrorist attack because we’ve not made arrests. We’ve not ascertained the veracity of that information.

“By the time we make an arrest and complete our investigation, we will be able to come up with something, whether they are actually terrorists. But the good people of Ondo should be assured that we don’t have terrorists in Ondo State.

“The governor has given us a marching order that the perpetrators should be arrested in no time, and we have just commenced the investigation. At the end of the investigation, if we are arrested, we need to come up with who and who were behind the attack. So, it’s too premature for us to conclude that they were terrorists.”

Following the attack, Governor Aiyedatiwa explained that the attack occurred while many residents were attending night services to usher in 2026.

The governor said that upon receiving the report, he immediately contacted the police and the Brigade Commander of the army, instructing that security personnel be deployed to support officers on patrol and protect residents.

Aiyedatiwa, however, has directed intensified patrols across communities and forest areas, stressing that security remains a 24-hour responsibility, particularly during festive periods.

He noted that security operatives, including members of the Joint Operations Task Force and Amotekun Rangers, were already on patrol throughout the state and in forested areas.

(The Nation)