Renowned Fuji musician Abass Akande, popularly known as Obesere, was on Friday attacked by suspected thugs during a burial ceremony at the Government Field in Okitipupa, Okitipupa local government area of Ondo State.
The incident occurred while the artiste and his band were performing to entertain guests at the event, when suspected thugs launched a violent attack on the fuji musician and members of his band.
One of the guests, Bosede Akinyemi, who witnessed the assault, said the thugs stormed the venue without warning, creating confusion among the guests who had gathered to watch Obesere perform live.
According to her, the group arrived in large numbers and immediately began causing trouble, harassing attendees and attempting to forcefully interrupt the music.
Akinyemi recounted that “I was at the party yesterday. It was a very shameful act. These boys just came from nowhere and started causing trouble.
“Before we knew it, they swarmed on Obesere’s boys and began destroying things. They damaged his musical instruments worth millions of naira.”
She explained that the situation escalated so quickly that many guests had to flee to avoid injury and said, “People were pushing one another just to escape. It was like watching a movie, but a terrible one.”
Akinyemi said she later heard that one of Obesere’s band members was stabbed while trying to defend the equipment from further destruction.
Another sources at the scene confirmed that several pieces of equipment, including speakers, microphones, and other musical instruments, were vandalized in the attack.
Members of the performer’s team reportedly sustained injuries while attempting to safeguard their instruments and themselves.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, though residents say the group of thugs is known in the community for disrupting social events and extorting performers.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Okitipupa Local Government, Hon. Andrew Ogunsakin, expressed strong displeasure over the violent disruption, describing it as “unfortunate, embarrassing, and completely unacceptable.”
In a statement issued on Saturday, Ogunsakin said the actions of the thugs undermine the peace and reputation of the Ikale people, who are known for their hospitality and respect for visitors.
“I received the news of the unfortunate mistreatment meted out to Abass Akande Obesere and his team with deep disappointment and utmost distaste.
“This incident does not reflect the values we uphold as a people. We cannot tolerate hooliganism or any acts that threaten the harmony of our local government.” the statement said
Ogunsakin assured the public that the council would work with security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are identified and brought to book.
He, however, promised to take necessary steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future, with a promise to personally reach out to Obesere and his management team to convey the community’s regrets and reassure them of their safety and welcome in Okitipupa.
Some residents who spoke after the incident called for stronger community policing measures, noting that the activities of local thugs have been a recurring concern in the area.
They urged authorities to act swiftly, warning that such violent disruptions at social gatherings could scare entertainers away and negatively affect the community’s social and economic life.
Although the police have yet to release an official statement, security sources in the area say an investigation has begun to track those responsible for the assault and property destruction.
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