In a shocking display of unrest, a group of irate youths in Ifon, located in the Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, set a police station ablaze in reaction to the alleged death of a young man while in police custody. The incident has sparked outrage in the community and raised serious questions about police conduct and accountability.
Reports indicate that the victim, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was apprehended on allegations related to a public disturbance. Eyewitness accounts suggest that he may have been subjected to severe mistreatment and torture while detained, leading to his untimely death. In response to this tragic incident, a large crowd of enraged youths descended upon the police station, overpowering the officers present, including the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), before setting the building ablaze. The flames consumed the structure, and smoke billowed into the sky, drawing attention from across the town.
As tempers flared, residents took to the streets to protest the alleged misconduct by the police, demanding justice for the deceased and accountability for those involved in the incident. Their chants echoed the deep dissatisfaction with law enforcement’s handling of the situation, reflecting broader concerns about police brutality in the region.
In contrast, the Ondo State Police Command has firmly rejected the claims that the young man died while in their custody, stating instead that he died while receiving medical treatment at a hospital. This assertion has further fueled the community’s anger, as many residents remain sceptical of the police’s narrative.
During an on-the-spot assessment of the tragic event, Ondo State Police Commissioner Wilfred Afolabi condemned the violent attack on the police facility and the act of arson. He emphasised the need for a comprehensive investigation to uncover the truth behind the incident and vowed to bring those responsible for the attack to justice. “No matter the circumstances, such actions against law enforcement cannot be tolerated,” Commissioner Afolabi stated.
According to the police spokesperson, Funmi Odunlami, the conflict reportedly originated on February 15, 2025, when a domestic dispute between two families escalated into a public brawl on Ogbomo Street in Ifon. Officers from the Ifon Division, led by an inspector, were dispatched to the scene to restore order. While they made several arrests, some suspects managed to evade apprehension, which may have contributed to the growing tensions within the community.
The tragic event and subsequent unrest underscore the urgent need for reforms within the police force to ensure accountability and restore public trust in law enforcement.
