A group of enraged youths in Ifon, the headquarters of Ose Local Government Area in Ondo State, stormed the town’s divisional police station, forcing officers to flee before setting the facility on fire.
According to local sources, the unrest stemmed from a violent clash between two youth groups on Valentine’s Day. When one of the factions reported the incident to the police, officers arrested two members of the opposing group. Tragically, one of the detainees allegedly died from police torture, while the other was hospitalized.
The death sparked outrage among some community youths, who mobilized in protest, attacked the police station, and set it ablaze. The unrest reportedly continued into Sunday morning, prompting Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, to visit the town for an on-the-spot assessment.
State police spokesperson Funmilayo Odunlami provided further details in a statement:
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the crisis began on February 15, 2025, following a dispute between two families on Ogbomo Street, Ifon. The altercation escalated into a public fight, prompting officers from Ifon Division, led by an Inspector, to intervene and make arrests while some suspects fled.
“Subsequently, one of the young men involved, identified as Tobi Bobade, was brought to the station by a local named Mr. Losilosi. Bobade appeared weak and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead while receiving treatment. His body has been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, for a postmortem examination.
“While officers were still at the station, an enraged mob, reportedly led by the deceased’s father, launched a violent attack on the facility. The mob set fire to key offices, including the administrative office, the Divisional Police Officer’s (DPO) office, the station store, and two exhibit vehicles.
“Fortunately, no lives were lost in the inferno, as security personnel acted swiftly, calling for reinforcements to secure the premises.”
Commissioner Afolabi condemned the act of lawlessness and vowed that those responsible would be held accountable. He urged residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
“The police command calls for peace and assures the public that investigations are ongoing. Further updates will be provided as the case progresses,” the statement concluded.
