Chaos erupted at the Owo Local Government Secretariat in Ondo State on Monday when suspected thugs attacked the council chairman, Mr. Tope Omolayo, beating him and stripping him nearly naked in a shocking display that left staff stunned.
Omolayo, elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC), had earlier been suspended by councillors over allegations of gross misconduct. After serving the suspension, he returned to resume duties on Monday when the attackers allegedly descended on him.
An eyewitness said the chairman arrived at the secretariat after about six months away when the suspected thugs stormed the premises to prevent him from entering his office. The situation quickly escalated into an argument and then violence.
“They beat him severely, tore his clothes, and left him almost naked. It was humiliating. The entire secretariat was thrown into chaos as people fled for safety while the attackers fired shots into the air,” the witness said.
Reacting to the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed that officers were immediately deployed to restore order.
He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, directed a rapid response to the scene, which helped bring the situation under control.
Police also confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine what led to the attack and to ensure those responsible are brought to justice, while urging residents to remain calm and law-abiding.