SaharaReporters gathered that the attack occurred in the early hours of January 1, 2026, with the assailants targeting the police facility and burning it down during the assault.
Residents of Ipele community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State were thrown into panic on Thursday after suspected terrorists attacked and set a police station in the area ablaze.
SaharaReporters gathered that the attack occurred in the early hours of January 1, 2026, with the assailants targeting the police facility and burning it down during the assault.
However, the incident has forced many residents to flee their homes and go into hiding as fear spread across the community.
A video obtained by SaharaReporters showed the police station engulfed in flames, while several vehicles parked within the premises were also set ablaze.
WATCH: Terrorists Set Police Station Ablaze In Ondo Community On New Year’s Day pic.twitter.com/K9BeElbItj
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) January 1, 2026
As of the time of filing this report, SaharaReporters could not independently confirm whether there were fatalities or casualties resulting from the attack.
However, some individuals believed to be police officers were later seen at the scene, assessing the damage and checking the station in the aftermath of the incident.
Efforts to reach the Ondo State Police Command for official comments on the attack were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
This is not the first time Ondo State has experienced a terrorist attack.
On June 5, 2022, there was a horrific terrorist assault on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, during Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s tenure.
At least 40 worshippers were killed, with estimates rising as high as 80, and dozens more were injured. The attack shocked Nigeria because Ondo State had been relatively peaceful compared to other regions.
