Ondo Tragedy: Boy Beaten to Death Over Alleged Cocoa Theft in Akungba

Shock and outrage have gripped Akungba-Akoko in Ondo State after a young boy was brutally beaten to death for allegedly plucking cocoa pods without permission.

The incident happened on Tuesday at Alumni Quarters in Akungba, Akoko South West Local Government Area, where the boy was accused by a man of unlawfully harvesting his cocoa.

Eyewitnesses said the victim was brought to the police station around 2:30pm in an unconscious state and was immediately taken to hospital. Despite medical efforts, he was confirmed dead a few hours later.

Ondo State Police spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed the suspect’s arrest and disclosed that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Akure for further investigation.

“The body of the deceased has been deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy. The command strongly condemns this act of jungle justice and urges residents to desist from taking laws into their own hands,” Olayinka said.

He emphasised that mob action and personal retaliation often escalate conflicts and undermine the rule of law, warning that justice can only be served through due process.

The boy’s death has sparked anger across Akungba, with community members calling for calm as investigations continue.