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Ondo: Irate youths burn police station over death of member
A police station in Ifon, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State has been burnt down by the irate youths after an information filtered in on Sunday that a youth died in detention.
The victim was said to have been tortured till he gave up the ghost after he was arrested, prompting youths in the town to invade the police station and set it ablaze in retaliation.
According to the source close to the incident, the Divisional Police Officer was said to be in the station as at the time the angry youth arrived and chase him away before setting the station on fire while chanting war songs.
Reacting to the incident, the Ondo State Police Command denied that the young man died in their custody, insisting that he died while receiving treatment at a hospital, stating that his corps was still in the hospital when the youths descended on the Police station.
Ondo State Police Commissioner, Wilfred Afolabi while condemning the attack by the youths, ordered full investigation with a view to unravel the attackers, insisting that the arsonists must face the full wrath of law.
According to the Command’s spokesperson, Funmi Odunlami, the incident began on February 15, 2025, when a dispute between two families on Ogbomo Street, Ifon, escalated into a public fight.
“Officers from Ifon Division, led by an Inspector, responded promptly, intervened, and made arrests while some suspects fled,” Odunlami explained.
She further revealed that Tobi Bobade, one of the young men involved in the fight, was brought to the station by a man identified as Mr. Losilosi.
“He appeared weak and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention but was later pronounced dead while receiving treatment,” she said.
His remains have been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, for a post-mortem examination.
Mob Sets Station on Fire
While officers were still at the station, an angry mob, allegedly led by the deceased’s father, attacked the station and set it on fire.
“The administrative office, the DPO’s office, the station store, and two exhibit vehicles were destroyed in the inferno caused by the mob,” Odunlami stated.
Fortunately, no lives were lost, as security personnel swiftly called for reinforcements to secure the premises.
The Police Commissioner, during his visit, met with the Local Government Chairman, community leaders, and other stakeholders. He expressed sympathy to the deceased’s family on behalf of the Inspector General of Police while condemning the violent actions of the mob.
“Such acts of lawlessness will not be tolerated,” Afolabi warned. “All those responsible for this criminal act will face the full weight of the law.”
He urged the public to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their hands, assuring that investigations are ongoing and further updates will be provided as the case progresses.
