Ondo community recounts New Year’s eve attack on monarch

By Boye Oyeyemi –

Residents of Ipele-Owo in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State have recounted how gunmen invaded the community on New Year’s Eve in what was alleged to be a failed plot to abduct the traditional ruler.

The attack, which occurred around 10pm, sparked panic as the assailants fired shots into the air and set a police station close to the palace on fire, forcing residents and officers to flee.

An eyewitness said about 20 armed men stormed the town while many residents were preparing to attend crossover church services, sending people scrambling for safety.

A resident, Kunle, disclosed that the gunmen were heading for the palace to kidnap the monarch, adding that the police station was targeted because of its closeness to the royal residence.

He said the plan was thwarted following the swift response of security operatives, who secured the monarch and prevented the attackers from gaining access to the palace.

Another resident, who spoke anonymously, described the incident as frightening, saying residents ran into nearby bushes to escape the gunfire before security agents restored calm.

Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, said no life was lost, while Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa ordered intensified patrols across communities and forest areas after an emergency security meeting in Akure.