Suspected Thugs Assault, Strip Ondo LG Chairman

Some youths suspected to be thugs on Monday allegedly assaulted the chairman of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Mr Tope Omolayo, following an undisclosed disagreement.

Omolayo, who was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, had earlier been suspended by councillors over allegations of gross misconduct.

The chairman was said to have had lingering disputes with the elected councillors.

After serving the suspension, the embattled chairman reportedly returned to office on Monday, when the suspected thugs allegedly attacked him, leaving him badly beaten.

An eyewitness recounted that upon Omolayo’s arrival at the council secretariat to resume duties after about six months of suspension, the suspected thugs stormed the premises in an attempt to prevent him from gaining access to his office. This reportedly triggered an argument that later escalated into chaos.

“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,” the eyewitness stated.

Reacting to the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed that the command acted promptly by deploying personnel to the secretariat to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

Jimoh said investigations had commenced to determine the cause of the incident and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

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The PPRO said, “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.

“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.”

He added that the Commissioner had advised residents to remain law-abiding and go about their lawful activities without fear.

All attempts to reach the embattled chairman for comments were unsuccessful, as his telephone line was switched off.