The Chairman of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Mr Tope Omolayo, was on Monday allegedly assaulted and stripped by suspected thugs following a disagreement at the council secretariat.
Omolayo, elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, had earlier been suspended by councillors over allegations of gross misconduct.
It was gathered that the chairman returned to the secretariat to resume duties after about six months of suspension when the incident occurred.
An eyewitness said the suspected thugs stormed the premises shortly after his arrival in an attempt to prevent him from gaining access to his office, leading to a confrontation that escalated into violence.
According to the source, the attackers allegedly beat the chairman severely, tore his clothes and left him almost naked, throwing the secretariat into confusion.
The eyewitness added that workers and visitors fled for safety as the assailants reportedly fired gunshots into the air during the chaos.
Confirming the development, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command promptly deployed personnel to the scene to restore order.
He stated that the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, directed the immediate mobilisation of security operatives and resources to the area upon receiving the report.
Jimoh noted that calm had since been restored, while investigations were ongoing to determine the cause of the incident and apprehend those responsible.
He urged residents to remain law-abiding and go about their lawful activities without fear.
Efforts to reach the council chairman for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report, as his telephone line could not be reached.
