Owo Is One Decries Bandit Attack On Ipele Town, Wants Decisive, Coordinated Security Response

The Owo Is One Association (OIOA), the apex socio-political, economic and cultural organisation of all Owo-speaking communities, strongly condemns the unprovoked and brazen attack by armed bandits on the peaceful town of Ipele in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State on New Year’s Eve.

This latest incident represents a troubling continuation of violent assaults that have plagued Owo land in recent years and have left citizens increasingly vulnerable and apprehensive. The recurrence of such attacks underscores the urgent need for more effective and sustained security interventions.

OIOA commends the prompt and coordinated response of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Ondo State Fire Service (Owo Command), and the Western Security Network, Amotekun Corps, whose swift actions helped to contain the situation, particularly at the Ipele Police Station.

In a statement jointly signed by Mr. Olatunbosun Oladimeji, Head of Media, OIOA, and Chief Akinboro Aruwajoye, National Coordinator and Ogbeni-Oja of Owo, the Association expressed deep concern over the broader implications of the attack.

“While we are grateful that no lives were lost in this incident, we are profoundly disturbed by the persistent pattern of violent attacks on our people. The painful memories of the massacre of worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church on June 5, 2022; the deadly attacks on three banks in Owo; the murder of a chief at Ofi-Ipele; the killing of Oba Adeusi, the Olufon of Ifon; and numerous cases of kidnapping and killings across Owo and Ose farming communities remain fresh and unresolved.”

The statement noted that the continued absence of justice in many of these cases has deepened fear, weakened public confidence, and adversely affected economic and social life. Farmers are abandoning their livelihoods, investors are increasingly cautious, and entire communities are living under the shadow of insecurity.

OIOA further expressed grave concern over reports that the Ipele attack involved the use of dynamite and sophisticated firearms by a large number of assailants, describing it as a dangerous escalation that requires immediate strategic reassessment by security authorities.

“The evolving nature, frequency, and sophistication of these attacks suggest an urgent need for decisive, intelligence-driven, and locally responsive security measures.”

Accordingly, OIOA calls on the Ondo State and Federal Governments to urgently implement a comprehensive security framework that includes:
• Increased and well-equipped security checkpoints
• Continuous surveillance and patrol operations
• Deployment of a dedicated rapid-response unit within the affected axis
• Installation of CCTV and other modern surveillance infrastructure at strategic locations
• Strengthening of local and community-based policing mechanisms
• Development of clearly articulated community-based contingency response plans, with structured involvement of community stakeholders in early warning and emergency response systems
The Association emphasized that security is fundamental to governance and urged authorities to act with the urgency, seriousness, and consistency required to restore confidence and safeguard lives and property.

OIOA reaffirmed its commitment to working constructively with government, security agencies, and community leaders to ensure lasting peace and stability in Owo land and Ondo State at large.