The attack, which occurred on New Year’s Eve, led to the destruction of the police facility and operational vehicles, raising fresh security concerns in the area.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Aregbesola described the incident as a serious threat to public safety and community stability, while expressing concern over the evolving security challenges confronting parts of the country.
He extended sympathy to residents of Ipele and Owo, as well as officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force affected by the incident, and urged residents across Ondo State to remain alert and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and activities.
Aregbesola reaffirmed confidence in the capacity of security agencies to respond decisively and stressed the importance of collective vigilance in safeguarding lives and property.
The statement reads:
PRESS STATEMENT: HON. FESTUS AREGBESOLA CONDEMNS TERRORIST ATTACK IN IPELE, OWO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, CALLS FOR HEIGHTENED VIGILANCE
I received with profound pain and deep concern the disturbing news of the brutal terrorist attack on the Ipele Divisional Police Headquarters in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, which occurred on the night of December 31, 2025, a solemn moment meant for reflection, gratitude, and the welcoming of a new year filled with hope.
The deliberate destruction of a police formation, the burning of operational vehicles, and the vandalisation of vital security infrastructure represent far more than an assault on the Nigeria Police Force. It is a direct and calculated attack on the peace, safety, and collective conscience of Ondo State. That this heinous act was carried out on New Year’s Eve makes it particularly cruel, provocative, and unconscionable.
My heart is with the resilient people of Ipele, the Olupele and traditional institution, the entire Owo Local Government Area, and all residents of Ondo State who have been plunged into fear and uncertainty by this senseless violence. I extend my deepest sympathy to the officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force affected by this attack, while commending their courage, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to duty in the face of grave danger.
This incident is a stark and sobering reminder that security threats are evolving and shifting locations, especially in the aftermath of intensified counter-terrorism operations across the country. It underscores an urgent truth: security can no longer be seen as the exclusive responsibility of government and security agencies alone. It is a collective duty that demands the active participation of every citizen.
I therefore call on the good people of Ondo State to remain calm, but extremely vigilant. Be conscious of your environment. Pay attention to movements within your communities. Promptly report unfamiliar persons, suspicious activities, or unusual movements to the appropriate security authorities. Timely and credible information saves lives. Silence, complacency, or indifference only embolden criminal elements.
Let it be clearly stated: Ondo State will not be intimidated, and our people will not bow to fear. Terrorism feeds on fear and disunity, but it collapses in the face of a united, alert, and determined people.
I have absolute confidence in our security agencies to decisively track down the perpetrators of this cowardly act and bring them to justice. Justice must be swift, firm, and uncompromising.
At this critical juncture, I urge unity, resilience, and cooperation across all communities. Together, we must stand firm to protect our land, our people, and our future. Ondo State has always been a land of peace, courage, and resilience, and it shall remain so.
My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ipele and the entire Owo community. May God comfort every troubled heart and grant Ondo State lasting peace and security.
Hon. Festus Aregbesola
APC Chairman, Ondo Central Senatorial District
Aspirant, Ondo State House of Assembly
Akure South Constituency 1
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