The chairman of Owo Local Government Area in Ondo State, Tope Omolayo, was reportedly assaulted and stripped by suspected thugs on Monday following a dispute that has not been made public.
NOP NIGERIA reports that Omolayo, who was elected under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, had earlier been suspended by councillors over allegations of misconduct. His relationship with members of the council had been strained before the suspension.
After spending several months away from office, the chairman returned to the council secretariat on Monday to resume his duties. Shortly after his arrival, a group of youths believed to be thugs stormed the premises and confronted him.
According to an eyewitness, the situation quickly turned violent when the group tried to block him from entering his office. The disagreement escalated into chaos as the attackers reportedly beat him severely and tore his clothes, leaving him almost naked in public view. Panic spread across the secretariat as workers and visitors fled the scene, while gunshots were reportedly fired into the air.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed it had responded to the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said officers were immediately sent to the area after the report reached the command.
He explained that the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, directed a quick deployment of personnel and security equipment to the council secretariat, which helped restore calm in the area.
The police also disclosed that an investigation has started to determine what led to the attack and to identify those involved.
