In a tragic turn of events, the town of Ifon in Ondo State’s Ose Local Government Area was engulfed in turmoil on Saturday, February 15, 2025, following the death of a young man allegedly subjected to police brutality. The incident incited a violent reaction from local youths, culminating in the torching of the Ifon Divisional Police Station.
The unrest traces back to a confrontation between two families on Ogbomo Street, Ifon. The altercation escalated into a public brawl, prompting intervention from law enforcement. Officers from the Ifon Division, under the leadership of an Inspector, responded promptly, arresting several individuals while others managed to flee the scene.
Among those apprehended was a young man identified as Tobi Bobade. Eyewitnesses reported that Bobade appeared frail upon arrival at the police station and was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
Tragically, he was pronounced dead shortly after admission. His body has since been transferred to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo for a comprehensive post-mortem examination.
News of Bobade’s death spread rapidly throughout the community, igniting outrage among local youths. In a surge of anger and grief, a mob, allegedly led by Bobade’s father, stormed the Ifon Divisional Police Station. The assailants reportedly overpowered the on-duty officers, including the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), forcing them to flee.
The mob then set the station ablaze, resulting in extensive damage to the administrative office, the DPO’s quarters, the station’s storage facilities, and two vehicles held as evidence. Fortunately, no casualties were reported during the attack.
Ondo State Police Commissioner Wilfred Afolabi visited the scene to assess the situation firsthand. He convened meetings with the Local Government Chairman, community leaders, and other key stakeholders to address the escalating tensions.
Expressing condolences to Bobade’s family on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, Afolabi denounced the violent actions of the mob.
“Such acts of lawlessness will not be tolerated,” Afolabi asserted. “All those responsible for this criminal act will face the full weight of the law.”
He further urged the community to maintain peace and refrain from taking the law into their own hands, assuring them that a thorough investigation is underway to uncover the circumstances surrounding both Bobade’s death and the subsequent arson attack on the police station.
The dual tragedies have left the Ifon community in a state of shock and mourning. Residents are grappling with the loss of a young life and the destruction of a critical local institution. Community leaders have called for calm, emphasizing the importance of allowing due process to take its course.
“We understand the pain and anger felt by the community,” one local elder stated. “However, resorting to violence only compounds our grief. We must trust the authorities to conduct a fair and transparent investigation.”
The Ondo State Police Command has initiated a comprehensive inquiry into the events leading up to Bobade’s death and the subsequent attack on the police station. Spokesperson Funmi Odunlami provided additional context, noting that the initial altercation involved multiple suspects, some of whom evaded arrest.
“Officers from Ifon Division, led by an Inspector, responded promptly, intervened, and made arrests while some suspects fled,” Odunlami explained.
She also clarified that Bobade was brought to the station by a man identified as Mr. Losilosi and appeared weak upon arrival, necessitating immediate medical attention.
Authorities are appealing to the public for any information that could assist in the investigation, emphasizing their commitment to justice and accountability.
