A violent incident disrupted the All Progressives Congress (APC) nationwide ward congress held on February 18, 2026, at Ward 1, Oke-Ore, Akomowa/Agamo axis of Itaogbolu in Akure North Local Government, Ondo State.
A popular broadcaster in the state was allegedly beaten half-naked while trying to rescue an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) who was reportedly attacked after the congress had concluded.
Eyewitnesses who spoke under the condition of anonymity disclosed that the crisis began when the INEC official arrived to oversee post-congress procedures and was allegedly strangled by the councillor representing the ward, Hon. Odunayo Idowu, alongside his two brothers identified as Mr. Gabriel Idowu, popularly known as “Abaliki,” and Master Bidemi Oyekan.
The incident occurred at Alamo Street, Itaogbolu, which serves as the residence of the journalist’s father and where the congress had taken place.
The broadcaster, whose identity was withheld for security reasons, reportedly intervened to save the INEC official from further harm.
Sources revealed that the electoral officer eventually escaped from the scene.
However, immediately after the escape, Hon. Odunayo Idowu and his brothers allegedly redirected their attack on the broadcaster, stripping him half-naked, beating him severely, and flogging him with his own belt.
Further accounts revealed that political thugs loyal to the councillor joined in the assault, using wooden objects and allegedly subjecting the victim to a substance identified by witnesses as velvet bean(WEREPE).
An eyewitness narrated that nobody could rescue the broadcaster because the attackers were armed with dangerous weapons and charms, creating fear and panic among party members and residents present at the venue.
The violence also spread to other officials present at the congress.
Reports indicated that the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Dare Fadumo, had his official vehicle reportedly vandalized and damaged by the councillor and his associates, though he was not physically harmed during the incident.
The injured broadcaster was later rushed to an undisclosed hospital in Akure, where he was receiving treatment as at the time this report was filed.
He also alleged that his handbag containing the sum of ₦250,000 and his belt were taken away by the assailants during the attack.
This disturbing incident has generated widespread outrage among journalists, political observers, and community members.
Calls have intensified for security agencies and relevant authorities to urgently investigate the matter and ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice, while guaranteeing the safety of electoral officials and media practitioners during political activities in Ondo State.
