By Ayodele Oni
Some restive youths in Ondo state on Sunday morning set ablaze a police station at Ifon, headquarters of Ose local government area.
The youths are said to be protesting the death of one of them, who was allegedly tortured until he gave up the ghost in a police cell.
Unconfirmed report has it that a boy was arrested and allegedly tortured to death by the police.
This development was said to have angered youths in the community who protested the killing to the police station, allegedly chased away policemen on duty and set ablaze the police station.
Another account indicates that some young individuals got into a fight on Valentine’s Day.
One party went to the police station to report the incident, which led to the arrest of two members of the opposing group.
The two arrested individuals were brutally tortured; tragically, one died in his cell yesterday morning, while the other was rushed to the hospital and still in coma.
The group that lost their friend and family member reacted angrily by going to the home of the individual who reported them to the police, where they set their house ablaze.
They then proceeded to the Ifon Divisional Police Station, where they chased away all the officers, including the Divisional Police Officer, and set the station on fire.
This morning, the group gathered again to protest. When a team of policemen was dispatched to restore order, they encountered the protesting youth and shot one of them.
The state commissioner of police, Wilfred Olatokunbo Afolabi is said to have visited the scene with a view to restoring normalcy.
In her reaction, the command spokesperson, Funmilayo Odunlami stated that “Pls let me get full details, CP is currently there.”
Meanwhile, chairman-elect of Ose Local Government Area, Kolapo Ojo, has appealed for calm following the violent unrest that led to the burning of the Ifon Divisional Police Station.
In a press statement issued on Sunday, Ojo expressed deep sympathy for those affected by the incident, acknowledging the pain and frustration that fueled the unrest.
While emphasizing the need for justice and accountability, he urged the youths to refrain from violence and destruction, noting that such actions would only bring further hardship to the community.
“I understand the pain, anger, and frustration that have driven these actions. However, I urge you all to sheath your swords and allow peace to reign. Violence will not solve our problems, and I assure you that the government is fully on top of the situation.”
He reassured residents that investigations into the incident are underway and that justice will be served. He further pledged that his administration would prioritize fairness, security, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
Ojo called on the youths of Ifon and the entire Ose Local Government to express their grievances peacefully and lawfully, emphasizing that unity and cooperation are essential for rebuilding the community.
“Let us stand united in seeking justice and progress without destroying the very structures meant to serve and protect us
“May peace return to our beloved Ifon and Ose Local Government.”
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