Violence erupted in Ifon, the headquarters of the Ose Local Government Area in Ondo State, as angry youths chased away police officers and set the divisional police station on fire. The incident, which unfolded in the aftermath of a violent clash between two groups of youths on Valentine’s Day, has left the town in turmoil.
According to local sources, the unrest began when a dispute between two families on Ogbomo Street escalated into a public fight. Police officers from the Ifon Division responded to the scene, arresting two individuals. However, tensions escalated when one of the arrested youths, identified as Tobi Bobade, reportedly died while in police custody. The other individual involved in the altercation was hospitalized.
The death of Bobade, allegedly due to police torture, ignited outrage among youths in the community. In protest, a mob stormed the police station, forcing officers to flee and setting fire to the station. The flames destroyed the administrative office, the DPO’s office, the station store, and two exhibit vehicles, though no lives were lost in the blaze. Quick intervention by security forces and reinforcements prevented further casualties.
Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, visited the town on Sunday for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation. In a statement, police spokesperson Funmilayo Odunlami provided details of the incident, confirming that the altercation began on February 15, 2025, with a dispute between two families. Police officers responded promptly, making arrests and dispersing some suspects who fled the scene.
Bobade was brought to the station by a local, Losilosi, but appeared weak and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital. He was later pronounced dead while receiving treatment. His remains have been sent to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo for a postmortem.
Odunlami added that the mob, led by Bobade’s father, attacked the police station, causing significant damage to the station’s facilities. Despite the damage, no fatalities occurred during the attack.
The Commissioner of Police condemned the lawless actions, vowing that those responsible would be brought to justice. Authorities have called for calm, urging the public to refrain from taking matters into their own hands as investigations continue.
“The Police Command urges the public to remain calm and allow peace to prevail. Investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be provided,” the statement concluded.
