A group of angry youths in Ifon, the headquarters of Ose Local Government Area in Ondo State, have set a divisional police station on fire after chasing away officers on duty.
According to Channels news, the crisis started on February 14 when two groups of youths in the community clashed. One group reported the case to the police, leading to the arrest of two members from the opposing group. However, one of the arrested youths allegedly died in police custody due to torture, while the other was hospitalized.
The death of the young man sparked outrage among his friends and supporters, who stormed the police station in protest. They reportedly overpowered the officers, forced them to flee, and then set fire to the building.
The protest continued on Sunday morning, prompting the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Wilfred Afolabi, to visit the town for an on-the-spot assessment.
The spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident in a statement.
“Preliminary reports indicate that 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, moved to the scene, intervened, and made arrests while some suspects fled,” Odunlami stated.
She explained that one of the arrested individuals, Tobi Bobade, was brought to the station by a man identified as Losilosi.
“He appeared weak and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention. He was later pronounced dead while receiving treatment. His remains have been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, for a postmortem examination,” she added.
Following his death, a mob led by his father stormed the station, setting fire to the administrative office, the Divisional Police Officer’s office, the station store, and two exhibit vehicles.
“Fortunately, no lives were lost in the fire, as security personnel acted swiftly and called for reinforcements to secure the premises,” Odunlami noted.
The police commissioner has condemned the attack and warned that such acts of lawlessness would not be tolerated. He assured the public that those responsible would be arrested and prosecuted.
“The Police Command urges members of the public to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their hands. Investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be provided as the case progresses,” the police statement concluded.
