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Irate youths in Ifon, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State have set a police station ablaze following the alleged death of a young man in police custody.
According to a source in the town, the victim was allegedly tortured to death after being arrested, prompting his colleagues to invade the police station and burn it down.
The angry youths reportedly chased away the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and other policemen before setting the building on fire. They also protested across the town to express their displeasure over the incident.
However, the Ondo State Police Command has denied that the young man died in their custody, insisting that he died while receiving treatment at a hospital.
During an on-the-spot assessment of the damage, Ondo State Police Commissioner, Wilfred Afolabi, condemned the attack and arson. He ordered a full-scale investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident and to bring those responsible to justice.
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.
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.
