The agrarian community of Ifon in Ose Local Council, Ondo State, descended into chaos following the alleged death of a teenage boy, identified as the son of a popular local figure known as ‘Bobby’, in police custody.
The boy was reportedly tortured after being arrested alongside his friend on February 14.
According to Oluwaseun Ogunmola, a youth and community advocate, the deceased and his friend were detained after a Valentine’s Day altercation involving other youths in the community over a girl.
The arrest occurred after a group went to report the incident to the police following a party. Ogunmola alleged that the boys were brutally tortured, resulting in the death of one in police custody and leaving the other in a coma.
“Those arrested were tortured severely. One died in his cell on Saturday morning, while the other is currently in a coma at the hospital,” Ogunmola said.
He added that the tragic news triggered a violent reaction from the deceased’s family and friends, who mobilised to the Ifon Divisional Police Station and set it ablaze. They also burnt the house of the individual who reported the boys to the police.
Tensions escalated further on Sunday when police allegedly shot and killed the elder brother of the boy in a coma, identified as Bamise. The incident occurred during a protest staged by the comatose boy’s family and friends.
Another source corroborated Ogunmola’s account, noting that the Valentine’s Day dispute began as a fight over a girl at a community party.
“Two boys were arrested after the issue was reported to the police. By Saturday morning, news spread that Bobby’s son had died in the cell due to torture, while his friend was hospitalised,” the source revealed.
The death reportedly sparked widespread anger, given the deceased’s father’s prominence in the community. The source confirmed that friends of the deceased retaliated by torching the home of the individual who reported the boys to the police and subsequently setting the police station ablaze.
The unrest intensified when Bamise, protesting alongside others, was allegedly shot dead by police officers on Sunday. “The situation became so tense that the military had to intervene to restore order,” the source added.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Wilfred Afolabi, has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.
Afolabi, who visited Ifon for an on-the-spot assessment of the areas affected by the unrest, condemned the attack and arson on the Divisional Police Station.
He directed a full-scale investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, confirmed the commissioners visit in a statement.
According to her, preliminary findings revealed that the incident began on February 15, following a dispute between two families on Ogbomo Street, Ifon, which escalated into a public fight. Officers from the Ifon Division, led by an Inspector, responded promptly, intervened, and arrested some suspects, although others managed to escape.
Odunlami-Omisanya explained that one of the young men involved in the fight, identified as Tobi Bobade, was later brought to the station by one Mr Losilosi. “He appeared weak and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead while receiving treatment. His remains have been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, for a post-mortem examination,” she stated.
She further disclosed that while officers were at the station, an angry mob, reportedly led by the deceased’s father, launched a violent attack on the facility. The mob set 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-Omisanya said.
During his visit, the commissioner met with the chairman of the local council, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
Addressing them, Afolabi, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, extended his condolences to the deceased’s family and strongly condemned the attack on the police station.
He assured the community that the police would not tolerate acts of lawlessness and vowed that all those responsible for the criminal acts would face the full weight of the law.
“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 they progress,” the commissioner added. (Guardian)