Unidentified gunmen on Wednesday stormed and set ablaze the Divisional Police headquarters in Ipele, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers struck around 9:40 p.m., destroying several exhibits inside the station.

DSP Abayomi Jimoh, spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, confirmed the attack, noting that no lives were lost and dismissing reports that a church was targeted.

“Preliminary reports indicate that 20 to 30 armed men attacked the police station around 9:41 p.m., firing assault rifles and using dynamite. The building and several exhibits were destroyed, but thankfully, no lives were lost,” Jimoh said.

The police spokesperson added that the assailants had fled before security forces arrived.

“A joint patrol of Police, Military, Civil Defence, and other security agencies responded promptly, but the attackers had already carried out their operation,” he said.

Jimoh also stated that the state Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has deployed additional special units to the area to maintain law and order and apprehend the perpetrators.

“The CP has ordered the immediate deployment of Tactical Teams, Explosive Ordnance Disposal–CBRN units, and Police Mobile Force personnel. A coordinated manhunt for the attackers is ongoing, and the situation remains under control,” he added.