Just in Gunmen Torch Ipele Police Station in Ondo, No Casualties Recorded

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Police Nab Fake Midwife, Prophetess Over Suspected Maternal Deaths in Ondo The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two suspects, including a self-acclaimed midwife and a prophetess, in connection with separate cases of alleged maternal and infant deaths in Akure and Emure-Ile. According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the arrests followed tragic incidents recorded under suspicious circumstances in both locations. In the first case, reported on April 16, 2026, a woman identified as Mrs. Bawa Blessing reportedly died after going into labour at a private residence in the Gloryland area of Akure. The residence, said to belong to one Elizabeth Aremu, who allegedly posed as a midwife, became the scene of the tragedy after the victim developed complications shortly after delivery and died before she could be moved to a hospital. Police detectives who visited the location discovered the lifeless body of a newborn wrapped in a sack. The suspect was subsequently arrested. In a separate incident reported on April 11, 2026, a 20-year-old woman, Genifer Sunday, was taken to a church in Emure-Ile during labour. The church’s prophetess, identified as Blessing Efiong, allegedly handled the delivery. The newborn reportedly died at the scene, while the mother later died en route to a hospital after developing complications. The prophetess has also been taken into custody. The police said the remains of the deceased mothers and their infants have been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, and the Federal Medical Centre morgue for preservation and autopsy. The Command assured that comprehensive investigations are ongoing to determine the exact causes of the deaths and to ensure that anyone found culpable faces prosecution. It also cautioned the public against seeking medical care from unqualified individuals, stressing the importance of using licensed healthcare facilities, particularly for critical procedures such as childbirth. The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, while appreciating the support and leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu. Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies as efforts continue to curb criminal practices across the state.

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Gunmen Torch Ipele Police Station in Ondo, No Casualties Recorded

1st January 2026

Residents of Ipele community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State were thrown into panic on Tuesday night after armed men attacked and set ablaze the Ipele Divisional Police Headquarters.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed that the incident occurred at about 9:41 p.m. on December 31, 2025, when a group of between 20 and 30 armed assailants stormed the station, firing assault rifles and using explosives to carry out the attack.
The Command, however, dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that a church was attacked during the incident, describing such information as false and misleading.
According to preliminary findings, the attackers destroyed the police station building and several exhibits before fleeing the scene. No casualties were recorded during the attack.
A joint security team comprising personnel of the Police, Military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other non-state actors was immediately mobilised to the area, but the assailants had escaped before their arrival.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Adebowale Lawal, condemned the attack, describing it as a grievous assault on public peace and security. He assured residents that the situation is under control and urged them to remain calm.
The police boss has also ordered the deployment of additional tactical units, including the Police Mobile Force and Explosive Ordnance Disposal–Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) teams, to strengthen security in the area. A coordinated manhunt for the perpetrators has commenced.
The Police Command said further updates would be made available as investigations continue.