The Chairman of Owo Local Government Area, Tope Omolayo, was allegedly attacked and stripped by suspected thugs on Monday during a violent confrontation at the council secretariat.
Omolayo, elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, had reportedly resumed office after serving about six months of suspension imposed by councillors over alleged gross misconduct.
According to eyewitness accounts, suspected thugs stormed the secretariat to prevent his return, leading to a confrontation that turned violent. The attackers allegedly beat him, tore his clothes, and fired shots into the air, causing panic within the premises.
The Nigeria Police Force said security operatives were immediately deployed to restore calm.
Police spokesperson Abayomi Jimoh said the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, ordered a swift intervention, while investigations are underway to determine the cause of the attack and identify those responsible.
The incident has heightened tensions around the leadership crisis in the local government, with authorities promising to bring perpetrators to justice.
