Suspected Thugs Strip, Assault Ondo LG Chairman After Return From Suspension

The Chairman of Owo Local Government Area in Ondo State, Mr Tope Omolayo, was on Monday allegedly attacked, beaten and stripped by youths suspected to be thugs at the council secretariat in Owo following his return to office after a six-month suspension.

Omolayo, who was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, had earlier been suspended by councillors over allegations of gross misconduct. Sources within the local government said his relationship with some elected councillors had remained strained even after the suspension period elapsed.

It was gathered that the embattled chairman arrived at the council secretariat on Monday morning to resume official duties when the suspected thugs reportedly stormed the premises and attempted to prevent him from entering his office. The situation was said to have degenerated into chaos after a heated argument between the chairman and the attackers.

An eyewitness said the attackers descended on the council boss, tore his clothes and left him nearly naked in full public view, creating panic within the secretariat.

The source said, “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 ran for safety while the thugs fired shots into the air.”

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command immediately deployed security personnel to the area to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

Jimoh said the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Adebowale Lawal, ordered a prompt intervention as soon as the report reached the command.

He said, “The attention of the command was drawn to the report. Upon receipt, the Commissioner of Police promptly ordered the immediate deployment of security personnel and operational assets to the scene. This swift response successfully restored calm and normalcy in the area.”

The police spokesperson added that investigations had commenced to determine the cause of the attack and identify those responsible for the violence.

According to him, residents of the state have been urged to remain peaceful and continue their lawful activities without fear, while the police work to ensure those involved in the assault are brought to justice.

Efforts to reach Omolayo for comments were unsuccessful as his mobile telephone line could not be reached at the time of filing this report.