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

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

He was said to have had undisclosed issues with the elected councillors.

After serving the suspension, the embattled chairman was said to have resumed office on Monday when the thugs allegedly pounced on him, beating him black and blue.

An eyewitness narrated that as Omolayo arrived at the council secretariat in the morning to resume duties after about six months of suspension, the suspected thugs allegedly invaded the secretariat in a bid to stop him from entering the office, leading to an argument and later a free-for-all.

“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.

Speaking with our correspondent on the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command swiftly reacted to the matter by deploying personnel to the secretariat to forestall a breakdown of law and order.

Jimoh said investigations had begun into the cause of the incident and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

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 said the Commissioner had urged residents of the state to remain law-abiding and continue their lawful activities without fear or apprehension.

All efforts to reach the embattled chairman on the telephone were unsuccessful, as his telephone line was switched off. (The PUNCH)

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