Pandemonium erupted at the Owo Local Government Secretariat in Ondo State on Monday after suspected thugs reportedly stormed the premises and violently attacked the council chairman, Mr. Tope Omolayo, in a dramatic incident that left staff and bystanders in shock.
Omolayo, who was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had only just resumed duties following a prolonged suspension imposed by councillors over allegations of gross misconduct. His return to office, however, quickly descended into chaos as the situation turned violent within minutes of his arrival.
According to eyewitness accounts, the embattled chairman arrived at the secretariat early in the morning after spending approximately six months away from office due to the suspension. His intention, sources said, was to formally resume his responsibilities and continue his tenure. However, events took a dramatic turn when a group of individuals, believed to be hired thugs, allegedly invaded the premises.
An eyewitness described how the group attempted to block Omolayo from gaining access to his office, leading to a heated confrontation. The argument reportedly escalated rapidly into a physical altercation, culminating in a violent assault on the chairman.
“They beat him mercilessly, tore his clothes, and left him almost completely naked,” the witness recounted. “It was a shocking and embarrassing scene. People started running in different directions for safety as the situation got out of control.”
The attack reportedly caused widespread panic across the secretariat, with workers abandoning their offices and fleeing the premises amid fears for their safety. Eyewitnesses also alleged that the attackers fired gunshots into the air during the chaos, further heightening tension and confusion.
The brazen nature of the assault has raised serious concerns about security at public institutions and the growing influence of political violence in local governance. Observers noted that the incident reflects deeper tensions within the council, particularly in light of the chairman’s earlier suspension and the unresolved disputes surrounding his leadership.
Following the attack, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force were swiftly deployed to the scene to restore order. Confirming the development, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command acted promptly upon receiving reports of the disturbance.
According to him, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, immediately ordered the deployment of security personnel and operational resources to the secretariat to prevent a total breakdown of law and order.
“The attention of the Command was drawn to this report, and upon receipt, the Commissioner of Police promptly directed the immediate deployment of officers to the area,” Jimoh stated. “This swift intervention helped to restore calm and normalcy at the secretariat.”
He added that the police had commenced investigations into the incident, with a view to identifying those responsible and ensuring they are brought to justice. Authorities are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the attack, including the possible motives and individuals behind the alleged invasion.
The police spokesman further reassured residents of the state that security agencies remain committed to maintaining peace and order. He urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and to go about their normal activities without fear.
The incident has sparked reactions among residents and political observers, many of whom have condemned the use of violence in resolving political disputes. Concerns have also been raised about the implications of such acts for democratic governance at the grassroots level.
For many workers at the Owo Local Government Secretariat, Monday’s events have left a lasting impression. Several staff members who witnessed the attack described it as one of the most disturbing incidents to have occurred within the council premises in recent times.
As investigations continue, attention is likely to focus on the underlying political tensions that may have contributed to the confrontation. The clash underscores the fragile nature of local political structures and the potential for disputes to escalate into violence if not properly managed.
While calm has since been restored, the episode serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing governance at the local level, particularly in contexts where political rivalries intersect with weak security enforcement.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the investigation progresses, while stakeholders continue to call for accountability and measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents in the future.
