Suspected thugs attack NULGE chairman in Ondo, victim hospitalised
…union condemns attack; asks Gov. Aiyedatiwa, security agencies to intervene Suspected armed thugs have attacked the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Owo Local Government
…union condemns attack; asks Gov. Aiyedatiwa, security agencies to intervene
Suspected armed thugs have attacked the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Comrade Adetunji Adene.
The assailants, reportedly numbering about 20, stormed Adene’s residence shortly after he returned from an official assignment in Akure, allegedly intending to harm him.
Eyewitnesses said the swift intervention of family members and neighbours, who raised an alarm, forced the attackers to abandon the operation and flee.
A source, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that Adene sustained serious injuries during the attack and is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, where he remains in critical condition as of the time of filing this report.
Reacting to the incident, the Ondo State President of NULGE, Comrade Fredrick Akinrinlola, condemned the attack, describing it as a direct assault on the union and the local government system.
In a statement issued on Monday, Akinrinlola said the incident reflects a growing pattern of violence targeting union leaders and workers in Owo Local Government Area.
"I stand before you this Monday, May 4, 2026, to sound the alarm loud and clear. A vicious wave of violence is ravaging our union leadership in Owo Local Government Area, and we will not stand idly by. On behalf of the leadership and our entire members, we categorically condemn the barbaric attack on our Owo Branch Chairman, Comrade Adetunji Adene - an outrage that threatens the very foundation of our local government system," he said.
Describing the attack as a calculated attempt to silence the union leader, Mr Akinrinlola added, “Last Tuesday, a gang of about 20 armed thugs stormed Comrade Adetunji’s residence with murderous intent.
"He had just returned from an official function in Akure when they struck. Only the swift alarm raised by his wife, children and neighbours forced these cowards to flee. Today, Comrade Adetunji fights for his life in the Intensive Care Unit of FMC, Owo, and the situation remains dire."
The labour leader warned that fear has gripped local government workers in the area, with many now reluctant to report for duty due to safety concerns.
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"Political gladiators must confine their dirty games to the party arena. Keep your violence out of our local government secretariats and away from innocent workers. Fear now paralyses our ranks, as colleagues dare not report to duty," he said.
Akinrinlola appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently intervene in the matter.
"This is our 'Save Our Souls' cry. Intervene urgently to protect lives and restore order in Owo Local Government Secretariat. Nobody feels safe stepping into the office. Act decisively, Your Excellency, before it’s too late," he pleaded.
He also called on security agencies to act swiftly, stressing that union members would not resort to self-help.
"We are no cowards, but we refuse to take the law into our own hands. Please provide ironclad protection for our members and bring these perpetrators to justice. Restore confidence and prevent total chaos in our local government system," he said.
Akinrinlola, however, reiterated that local government workers would resist any attempt to turn council secretariats into theatres of violence.
"Let me say this unequivocally: local government workers are resolute and will not allow any individual or group, no matter how highly placed, to turn the secretariat into a theatre of war," he added.
