Chaos Erupts at Peaceful Burial Ceremony
What began as a solemn burial ceremony in Okitipupa, Ondo State, quickly descended into violence and panic when suspected thugs targeted legendary Fuji musician Abass Akande Obesere and his band. The disturbing incident occurred on Friday at the Government Field, where the iconic artist had been invited to perform for guests.
Eyewitness Accounts of the Attack
According to eyewitness Bosede Akinyemi who spoke with The Nation, the atmosphere transformed from celebratory to chaotic within seconds. A group of notorious local thugs stormed the venue and made straight for the stage where Obesere and his musicians were entertaining the crowd.
"It was embarrassing," Akinyemi recounted. "These boys stormed the place and went after Obesere and his boys. People ran in every direction. I grabbed my shoes and fled."
The attack resulted in significant damage to expensive musical equipment and left several band members injured. One performer was reportedly stabbed while attempting to protect their setup from the assailants.
Local Government Response and Condemnation
Hon. Andrew Ogunsakin, Chairman of Okitipupa Local Government Area, expressed deep disappointment over the violent incident. He described the attack as "unfortunate and unacceptable" and emphasized that such actions do not reflect the values of the Ikale people.
"The mistreatment of Obesere and his team does not represent who we are. It is unacceptable," Ogunsakin stated. "We won't tolerate behaviors that endanger public harmony."
The chairman assured that his administration is taking concrete steps to address the situation thoroughly and prevent future occurrences targeting artists, entertainers, or residents. He also disclosed plans to personally reach out to Obesere to convey the community's regrets and reaffirm the local government's commitment to protecting all visitors.
As investigations continue, fans of the Fuji star and Okitipupa residents await answers about the motive behind the targeted assault. The incident has raised serious concerns about event security, particularly in communities where artists frequently perform for public events.
