In the Ifon community, located in the Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, a group of agitated youths set fire to a local police station on Sunday. This act of arson was a response to the reported death of a young man who allegedly succumbed to torture while in police custody.
The youths, who had gathered to protest the death of their friend, became increasingly incensed upon discovering that another individual was in a coma in a hospital due to similar mistreatment by the police at the same facility. In their fury, they reportedly forced the police officers and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) to flee the station before igniting the blaze.
According to community sources, the unrest stemmed from an altercation involving several young men on Valentine’s Day, which prompted one faction to report the incident to the police. This led to the arrest of two individuals, who were subsequently detained. It was alleged that these detainees were subjected to torture, resulting in one death within the police cell, while the other was hospitalized after falling into a coma.
In response to the tragic events, the group mourning their friends mobilized to the police station to voice their outrage over the death and the ongoing suffering of the other young man. Despite appeals from the police officers on duty, the angry crowd expelled them from the station and proceeded to set it ablaze.
A contingent of police personnel was dispatched to the area to restore order; however, the protesting youths resisted their efforts, and reports indicate that one protester was shot during the confrontation.
In light of these developments, the State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, conducted an on-site assessment of the situation and has initiated an investigation to ascertain the events leading to the incident and to ensure accountability for those involved. During his visit, he engaged with the Chairman of the Local Government, community leaders, and other relevant stakeholders
In his speech, the Commissioner of Police, representing the Inspector General of Police, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and denounced the assault on the police station, asserting that such acts of lawlessness would not be tolerated. The Police Chief firmly condemned the attack and arson at the Divisional Police station, promising that all individuals responsible for this criminal behavior would be held accountable under the law.
The police command called upon the public to remain composed and to avoid taking matters into their own hands, stating that further updates would be shared as the investigation unfolds.
The police inquiry revealed that the incident originated on February 15, 2025, when a dispute between two families on Ogbomo Street in Ifon escalated into a public altercation. According to the police report, officers from the Ifon Division, led by an Inspector, responded swiftly, intervened at the scene, and made several arrests, although some suspects managed to escape.
Subsequently, one Tobi Bobade, a young man involved in the altercation, was brought to the station by Mr. Losilosi. He appeared to be in poor condition and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead while receiving treatment, and his body has been sent to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo for a post-mortem examination.
While officers were present at the station, an enraged mob, led by the father of the deceased, launched a violent assault on the facility. The administrative office, the DPO’s office, the station store, and two exhibit vehicles were damaged in the fire set by the mob. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the blaze, as security personnel acted promptly and called for additional support to secure the area.
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