Angry youths set Police station on fire over boy’s death in Ondo

Tension erupted in Ifon, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, as enraged youths set a police station on fire following the alleged death of a young man in police custody.  

According to local sources, the deceased was reportedly tortured after his arrest, leading to his demise.

Outraged by the incident, his associates stormed the police station, forcing the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and other officers to flee before torching the building. The protestors also took to the streets, expressing their anger over the alleged brutality.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has refuted claims that the young man died in custody. A spokesperson insisted that he passed away while receiving medical 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.

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.