Boy allegedly beaten to death for stealing cocoa in Ondo

By Boye Oyeyemi –

Tragedy struck in Akungba, Ondo State, after a young boy accused of stealing cocoa pods was allegedly beaten to death by a complainant.

The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued 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.”

According to the police, the suspect linked to the assault has since been arrested, while the body of the deceased was deposited at the hospital’s morgue for autopsy.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Akure, for further investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, condemned the act and cautioned residents against resorting to jungle justice.