By Duchess Ifeoluwa
Ondo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has raised an urgent alarm over what it described as a violent attack on its Owo Local Government Branch Chairman, Adetunji Adene, calling for immediate intervention by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and security agencies.
In a statement issued on Monday, the State President of the union, Fredrick Akinrinlola, condemned the incident, describing it as a direct threat to the safety of local government workers and the stability of the system.
Akinrinlola said the union leader was attacked last Tuesday at his residence in Owo by a group of armed men numbering about 20, shortly after returning from an official engagement in Akure.
He explained that the attackers allegedly stormed the premises with intent to cause fatal harm but were forced to flee following alarm raised by members of the victim’s household and neighbours.
He disclosed that Adene is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre Owo, where he remains in critical condition.
The latest attack comes against the backdrop of a similar violent incident involving the suspended Chairman of Owo Local Government, Hon. Tope Omolayo, who was reportedly assaulted last month on the day he resumed office at the council secretariat.
Sources indicated that the earlier attack occurred amid heightened political tension within the council, with hoodlums allegedly invading the premises, disrupting official activities and forcing a breakdown of order.
Observers say the recurrence of such incidents points to an escalating pattern of violence in the local government area, raising concerns over the safety of public officials and workers, as well as the stability of grassroots governance.
The NULGE president warned that the incident has heightened fear among workers in the local government, with many reportedly reluctant to report to duty due to safety concerns.
He described the development as a serious threat to administrative operations at the grassroots level.
Akinrinlola alleged that the attack may not be unconnected with political tensions, cautioning political actors to refrain from bringing violence into the local government system.
He stressed that workers must not be made victims of political conflicts.
He appealed directly to Governor Aiyedatiwa to take decisive steps to restore order and ensure the protection of lives and property within the Owo Local Government Secretariat, describing the situation as a “save our souls” moment for workers in the area.
The union leader also called on security agencies across the state to act swiftly by providing adequate protection for local government staff, apprehending those responsible for the attack, and ensuring they are brought to justice.
He reiterated that while the union remains committed to lawful conduct, it would not tolerate any attempt by individuals or groups to turn local government offices into zones of violence.
