Renowned fuji musician Abass Akande, popularly known as “Obesere,” was reportedly attacked by suspected thugs on Friday during a burial ceremony in Okitipupa Local Government Area, Ondo State.

The incident occurred at the Government Field, Okitipupa, where the musician and his band were billed to entertain guests at the burial.

A witness at the event, Bosede Akinyemi, who confirmed the incident on Saturday, told The Nation that the thugs stormed the venue unexpectedly and unleashed violence, causing guests to scamper for safety.

“I was at the party yesterday (Friday). It was a very shameful act as the group of boys, who were known thugs in the community, caused trouble. They attacked Obesere and his band while they were entertaining guests,” she said.

Akinyemi added that some members of the band were assaulted, and the hoodlums vandalised musical equipment worth millions.

“They pounced on some of Obesere’s boys and destroyed his equipment. You needed to see how I grabbed my shoes and ran. I heard one of the band members was stabbed while trying to repel the attack,” she added.

Efforts to get the reaction of the music star proved abortive.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Okitipupa LGA, Hon. Andrew Ogunsakin described the attack as “unfortunate and unacceptable.”

Hon. Ogunsakin condemned the act of hooliganism, insisting that such behaviour does not reflect the values of the Ikale people.

“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 is unacceptable and does not reflect the values we uphold as a people,” he said.

He said his administration will not tolerate actions that undermine the collective harmony and reputation of the community, assuring that measures would be taken to forestall a recurrence.

“I want to assure the public that necessary steps will be taken to address this matter and prevent future occurrences, whether toward artists, celebrities, entertainers, or any individual visiting or residing in our local government.

“I will be personally reaching out to Obesere and his team to convey our regrets. We are looking into the matter thoroughly to ensure such an incident does not repeat itself,” he added.