Boy beaten to death over alleged Cocoa theft in Ondo

A young boy in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South West has been allegedly beaten to death for harvesting cocoa pods without permission.

It was gathered that the boy was assaulted at Alumni Quarters by a man who claimed the child had harvested his cocoa illegally. He was rushed to the police station unconscious around 2:30 p.m. before being referred for medical treatment. He was later confirmed dead at the hospital.

Reacting, the Ondo State Police Command urged residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands describing such actions as counter-productive to peace and justice in society.

The Police through the State Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka also confirmed that the suspect has been arrested. The deceased’s body has been deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Akure for thorough investigation to ensure justice is served.