The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man for allegedly beating a young boy to death for plucking cocoa pods from a farm.
Police spokesperson Olushola Ayanlade confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday in Akure.
He said it happened around 2:30 p.m. on September 20 at Akunmi Quarters in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South West Local Government Area of the state.
“The Police received a report of a young boy who had been severely assaulted after being accused of plucking cocoa pods from a farm.
“The boy was brought to the station in an unconscious state, and officers immediately directed that he be taken for urgent medical attention.
“Regrettably, at about 5:36 p.m., he was confirmed dead at the hospital,” Ayanlade said.
He added that the suspect was arrested immediately. The boy’s body was taken to the hospital morgue for autopsy.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Akure for further investigation.
Ayanlade said the Ondo State Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal condemned the killing and warned members of the public against taking laws into their own hands.
“Citizens are urged to resist the temptation of taking laws into their own hands, but rather report all infractions, disputes, or criminal acts to the Police and allow due process of the law to prevail,” he said.
The commissioner also sympathised with the boy’s family and assured them that the case would be handled fairly and professionally.
Ayanlade urged residents to work with the police to maintain peace and security in the state.
