Mr Wilfred Afolabi, Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, has condemned the attack and arson on the divisional police station on Sunday in Ifon, Ose Local Government Area of the state.
Afolabi also ordered a full-scale investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the incident and to bring those responsible to justice.
This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen by CSP Funmilayo Odunlami, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) on Sunday in Akure.
The PPRO said the CP had visited Ifon for an on-the-spot assessment of areas affected in the attack by some members of the community.
Odunlami also said he met with the chairman of the local government, community leaders and other stakeholders in the community.
She said that preliminary reports indicated that the incident began on February 15, 2025 when a dispute between two families at Ogbomo Street, Ifon, escalated into a public fight.
The PPRO explained that officers from Ifon division, led by an inspector, responded promptly, moved to the scene, intervened, and made arrests while some suspects fled.
“Later, one Tobi Bobade, one of the young men involved in the fight, was brought to the station by one Mr Losilosi.
“He (Bobade) appeared weak and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention., he was later pronounced dead while receiving treatment.
“His remains have been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, for a post-mortem examination.
“While officers were at the station, an angry mob, led by the deceased’s father, launched a violent attack on the station.
“The administrative office, Divisional Police Officers (DPO) office, the station store and two (2) exhibit vehicles were affected in the inferno caused by the mob.
‘Fortunately, no lives were lost in the fire as security personnel acted swiftly and called for reinforcements to secure the premises,’ she said.
Odunlami, however, said that the CP, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), commiserated with the family of the deceased.
The PPRO also said the CP condemned the attack on the station, as he vowed that such acts of lawlessness would not be tolerated.
According to her, the CP has assured that all those responsible for the criminal act will face the full weight of the law.
“Members of the public should remain calm and refrain from taking the laws into their hands. Investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be provided as investigation progresses,” she said.