Ondo: Police foil assassination attempt, nab 10 people

THE Ondo State Police Command has arrested ten suspects in connection with a violent armed attack on the Igoba community in Akure North Local Government Area.

The attack, which occurred on Wednesday, October 2, 2025, around 11:30 a.m., was carried out by armed men who invaded the community wielding firearms, knives, charms and other dangerous weapons.

In a statement made available to Weekend Hope, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, said the assailants launched a coordinated assault, during which a female resident, Mrs Ogunoye Oluomo, was attacked, injured, and dispossessed of her belongings.

The gang also stormed the palace of His Royal Highness, Oba Adinlewa John of Igoba, where they allegedly attempted to assassinate the monarch.

The royal father reportedly escaped the attack by the skin of his teeth.

Upon receiving a distress call, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, swiftly deployed tactical and operational teams to the scene.

The prompt response, led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, resulted in the arrest of ten suspects.

According to the police, all the arrested suspects have confessed to their involvement in the incident and will be arraigned in court upon completion of investigations.

Items recovered from them include: Two locally fabricated pistols, one single-barrel gun, several rounds of live ammunition, assorted charms, knives and machetes.

The injured victim is currently receiving treatment and responding well, while efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing suspects.

Police said normalcy has since been restored in Igoba, with increased security patrols to prevent a recurrence.

CP Lawal reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, adding that the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, remains committed to proactive and community-driven policing.

He warned criminal elements to steer clear of the state, stressing that Ondo will not be allowed to become a haven for crime.

“All law-abiding residents are urged to remain calm and go about their lawful activities without fear,” the statement added.