Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday ordered a full-scale manhunt for those behind the attack on the Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo Local Government Area, vowing that the perpetrators would be tracked down and prosecuted.

The governor issued the directive after presiding over an emergency meeting of the State Security Council in Akure to review the incident, which occurred on New Year’s Eve.

Reports said about 30 armed men, riding motorcycles, invaded the police facility late Wednesday night and detonated an explosive device while residents were attending crossover church services to usher in the New Year.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said security agencies across the state had been placed on full alert to prevent further breaches, noting that the assailants were forced to retreat following the swift and coordinated response of security operatives.

He said the prompt intervention helped to contain the situation and limited the impact of the attack, adding that no lives were lost.

“Although the attackers breached the facility and set off an explosive, the quick response of security agencies ensured that there were no casualties,” the governor said.

According to him, the damage was confined to the police station building, while all officers on duty escaped unhurt and have since resumed patrols to sustain security in the area.

The governor said the emergency security meeting reviewed the incident, assessed the effectiveness of the response, and agreed on additional measures to forestall a recurrence.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 17, Ajani Musibau, visited the scene and condemned the attack, describing it as a grave threat to public peace and security.

He assured residents that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, would apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice.