Ondo Police Station Set Ablaze as Youths Protest Death of Detainee

 Ondo Police Station Set Ablaze as Youths Protest Death of Detainee

A wave of unrest swept through Ifon, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, as enraged youths set the Divisional Police Station ablaze following the controversial death of a young man in police custody. This alarming incident has reignited concerns over police conduct, accountability, and strained community relations in the region.

Origins of the Uprising

Tensions began escalating on February 14, 2025, when a violent altercation broke out between two rival youth groups during Valentine's Day celebrations in Ifon. In response, police officers from the Ifon Division, led by an inspector, intervened and made several arrests. Among those detained was a young man identified as Tobi Bobade, whose subsequent death triggered the violent backlash against law enforcement.

Mysterious Death in Custody

Eyewitnesses report that Bobade, appearing weak and unresponsive, was taken to the police station by a local resident, Mr. Losilosi. His condition deteriorated rapidly, prompting officers to rush him to a nearby hospital. Tragically, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. His remains have since been transferred to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo for an autopsy to ascertain the exact cause of death.

The circumstances surrounding Bobade’s demise remain shrouded in controversy, with allegations of police brutality fueling widespread anger. While authorities maintain that he was not subjected to any form of mistreatment, the community remains skeptical, demanding a transparent investigation.

Mob Retaliation and Police Station Inferno

Outraged by Bobade’s death, an irate mob, allegedly led by his father, launched an assault on the Ifon Police Station. The demonstrators, wielding makeshift weapons and gasoline canisters, overwhelmed the officers on duty and proceeded to torch the administrative office, the Divisional Police Officer’s office, the station’s storage room, and two exhibit vehicles. The destruction left the facility in ruins, though no casualties were reported during the attack.

Police and Government Response

The Ondo State Police Command swiftly condemned the attack, describing it as an act of lawlessness that would not go unpunished. Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, personally visited Ifon to assess the situation and engage with local leaders. He assured the public of a thorough investigation into both Bobade’s death and the arson attack, emphasizing that justice would be served without bias.

Security reinforcements have since been deployed to Ifon to restore order, and an extensive manhunt has been launched to apprehend those responsible for the destruction of government property.

Community Leaders Call for Calm

In the wake of the unrest, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society organizations have appealed for restraint. They urged residents to allow law enforcement agencies to conduct a proper investigation rather than resorting to violence. Calls for improved police-community engagement and accountability have also intensified, with many demanding reforms in law enforcement practices to prevent similar incidents in the future.

This tragic event highlights the fragile nature of trust between the Nigerian police and the communities they serve. The incident underscores the urgent need for transparent investigations, accountability mechanisms, and proactive measures to rebuild public confidence in law enforcement.

As investigations continue, all eyes remain on the authorities to ensure that justice prevails. The unfolding events in Ifon serve as a stark reminder of the deep-seated tensions that can arise when grievances go unaddressed, calling for meaningful dialogue and systemic reform in Nigeria’s policing structure.