The attack, which occurred on New Year’s eve, sent residents fleeing from their homes and disrupted crossover church services across the community.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants, numbering between 20 and 30, invaded the agrarian community at about 9:41pm, shooting sporadically. The gunmen reportedly deployed explosives before setting the facility ablaze. A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the intensity of the attack overwhelmed security operatives on duty and forced residents to scamper into nearby bushes for safety.
“It was terrifying. People were running in different directions because of the heavy gunfire,” the resident said. Other residents said usually busy streets during crossover celebrations were deserted as worshippers abandoned church services midway, while shops were shut and movement restricted.
The attack, which occurred on New Year’s eve, sent residents fleeing from their homes and disrupted crossover church services across the community.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants, numbering between 20 and 30, invaded the agrarian community at about 9:41pm, shooting sporadically.
The gunmen reportedly deployed explosives before setting the facility ablaze.
A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the intensity of the attack overwhelmed security operatives on duty and forced residents to scamper into nearby bushes for safety.
“It was terrifying. People were running in different directions because of the heavy gunfire,” the resident said.
Other residents said usually busy streets during crossover celebrations were deserted as worshippers abandoned church services midway, while shops were shut and movement restricted.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Thursday, Abayomi Jimoh, police spokesperson in the state, said the attack was directed at the police station and not any church.
Jimoh said the attack led to the destruction of the station and some exhibits, but no casualty was recorded as of the time of filing the report.
Adebowale Lawal, commissioner of police in the state, condemned the attack, describing it as an “assault on peace and security in the state”. He urged residents to remain calm, adding that the situation is under control. He ordered the immediate deployment of additional tactical teams, explosive ordnance disposal units, and police mobile force personnel in the area, while a coordinated manhunt for the attackers has been launched.
The police said further updates would be provided as investigations continue.
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