A tragic incident occurred in Akungba, Ondo State, where a young boy accused of stealing cocoa pods was allegedly beaten to death by a complainant.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday with Ref. No. AZ:5280/ONS/PPRO/VOL.1/295, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola.
The statement said, “At about 1430 hrs, the police received a report of a young boy who had been severely assaulted after being accused of plucking cocoa pods from a farm.
“He was brought to the station in an unconscious state, and officers immediately directed that he be taken for urgent medical attention.
“Regrettably, at about 1736 hrs, he was confirmed dead at the hospital.”
Police noted that the suspect linked to the assault has been arrested, while the deceased’s body has been deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Akure for further investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, strongly condemned the incident and warned residents against taking laws into their own hands.