AIG condemns Ipele police station attack, orders manhunt for suspects

 

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 17, Ajani Musibau, has condemned the attack on the Ipele Divisional Police Headquarters in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, describing it as a serious threat to public peace and security.

The AIG spoke on Thursday during an on-the-spot assessment of the damaged facility, conducted alongside the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, and other senior security officials.

Also present at the inspection were representatives of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other sister security agencies.

Armed assailants were reported to have set the police station ablaze, resulting in the destruction of the building and several vital exhibits. No casualty was recorded, as officers on duty escaped unharmed.

Expressing concern over the extent of the damage, AIG Musibau vowed that the Nigeria Police Force would deploy all lawful and operational measures to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the attack.

He described the incident as an unforgivable assault on the security architecture of Ondo State, assuring that security has been reinforced in the area to prevent a recurrence.

The AIG also disclosed that arrangements were being made to cater for the welfare of affected personnel, while plans were underway for the reconstruction of the destroyed facility.

In his remarks, CP Lawal commended the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, noting that ongoing reforms and technological innovations under his administration have continued to enhance policing operations across the state.

The commissioner also acknowledged the support of Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his consistent backing of security agencies in maintaining peace and public safety.

Lawal assured residents that the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has intensified efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.

According to him, additional operational assets, including Tactical Units, Explosive Ordnance Disposal–Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) teams, as well as Police Mobile Force (PMF) units, have been deployed to the area.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, assuring that the situation was under control and investigations were ongoing.