By MUFTAU OGUNYEMI

The Police Command in Ondo State says it has arrested a suspect for beating a young boy to death for allegedly plucking cocoa pods from a farm.

DSP Olushola Ayanlade, the command’s spokesperson, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Akure.

According to him, the incident occurred at about 1430hrs on September 20th 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 17:36hrs, he was confirmed dead at the hospital.

“The complainant was promptly arrested, while the deceased’s remains were deposited at the hospital’s morgue for autopsy,” he said.

The spokesperson explained that the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Akure, for discreet investigation with a view to ensuring that justice was served.

Ayanlade, who said that the Commissioner of Police (CP), Adebowale Lawal, strongly condemned the tragic development, cautioned members of the public against resorting to self-help or jungle justice under any circumstance.

“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 spokesperson said the CP appreciated the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) for his visionary policing agenda and continuous support.

Ayanlade said the IGP’s vision and support had further strengthened the capacity of the command to respond swiftly to incidents and maintain law and order across the state.

While commiserating with the family of the deceased, he assured that the matter would be handled with utmost fairness, professionalism, and adherence to the rule of law.

Ayanlade also said the command remained committed to protecting lives and property, and called on residents to continue to partner with the police in ensuring peace, security and justice in the state. (NAN)