Youths set police station ablaze over suspect’s death in Ondo

Some youths have set ablaze the divisional police station in Ifon, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident via a statement on Sunday, February 16, 2025.

Odunlami said the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, while condemning the attack, ordered a full-scale investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the incident and to bring those responsible to justice.

Odunlami said the CP had visited Ifon for an on-the-spot assessment of areas affected in the attack by some members of the community.

Odunlami stated that Afolabi met with the chairman of the local government, community leaders, and other stakeholders in the community.

She said preliminary reports indicated that the incident commenced on Saturday, February 15, when a dispute between two families at Ogbomo Street in Ifon escalated into a public fight.

The police spokesperson noted that officers from Ifon division, led by an Inspector, responded promptly, moved to the scene, intervened, and made arrests while some suspects fled.

Odunlami stated: “Later, one Tobi Bobade, one of the young men involved in the fight, was brought to the station by one Mr Losilosi.

“He (Bobade) appeared weak and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention. He was later pronounced dead while receiving treatment.

Gunmen kill health worker in Ondo

“His remains have been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, for a post-mortem examination.

“While officers were at the station, an angry mob, led by the deceased’s father, launched a violent attack on the station.

“The administrative office, Divisional Police Officers (DPO) office, the station store, and two exhibit vehicles were affected in the inferno caused by the mob.

“Fortunately, no lives were lost in the fire as security personnel acted swiftly and called for reinforcements to secure the premises.”

Odunlami, however, stated that the CP, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), commiserated with the family of the deceased.

She said the CP condemned the attack on the police station, as he vowed that such acts of lawlessness would not be tolerated.

According to her, the CP has assured that all those responsible for the criminal act will face the full weight of the law.

“Members of the public should remain calm and refrain from taking the laws into their hands. Investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be provided as investigation progresses,” Odunlami added.

The Star