Pandemonium broke out on Monday at the Owo Local Government Secretariat in Ondo State as suspected thugs allegedly attacked the council chairman, Mr Tope Omolayo, beating him and stripping him almost naked in a violent incident that threw the area into chaos.
Omolayo, who was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had earlier been suspended by elected councillors over allegations of gross misconduct before he resumed duties on Monday following the completion of his suspension period.
According to accounts from eyewitnesses, the chairman arrived at the council secretariat in the morning to resume office after about six months away when the suspected thugs stormed the premises, reportedly attempting to prevent him from entering his office. The confrontation escalated into a violent clash.
“They beat him mercilessly, tore his clothes and left him almost completely naked. It was an embarrassment. The entire secretariat went into commotion as people were running for safety while the thugs fired shots into the air,” an eyewitness said.
The attack caused panic among workers and visitors, with many fleeing the scene as the situation deteriorated into a free-for-all before security intervention.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command responded swiftly after receiving distress information about the unrest at the secretariat.
He stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, immediately ordered the deployment of personnel and operational assets to the area to prevent further escalation.
“The attention of the Command was drawn to this report. Upon receipt, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, promptly ordered the immediate deployment of security personnel and operational assets to the scene,” Jimoh said.
“This swift response has successfully restored calm and normalcy in the area.
“Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident and to bring all involved to justice.”
The police urged residents of the state to remain calm, law-abiding, and continue their daily activities without fear, while assuring that efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
