Suspected thugs assault APC chairman in Ondo

Violence broke out in Ondo State after suspected political thugs attacked and humiliated a local government chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during a stakeholders’ meeting.

The incident occurred at the party secretariat in Akure, where armed hoodlums reportedly stormed a meeting held ahead of the party’s ward congresses, disrupting proceedings and triggering panic.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers wielded dangerous weapons, forcing party members to flee for safety. The chairman was allegedly beaten, dragged, and stripped during the chaos, while several other members sustained injuries, with some taken to hospital for treatment.

The attack has been linked to ongoing internal disputes within the party over the conduct of the congresses, as rival factions continue to trade accusations. While some party members alleged that the violence was politically sponsored, the state government has dismissed such claims as unfounded.

Security agencies, including the police, have since restored calm in the area and commenced investigations to identify and apprehend those responsible.

The incident has raised fresh concerns over political violence and deepening divisions within party structures as key political activities approach in the state.