The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ward 5, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, Mr. Nelson Adepoyigi, who was kidnapped several days ago, has reportedly died while in the custody of his abductors.
Adepoyigi was abducted by armed men on Monday at the entrance to his farm, located along Ifon-Owo road in Ifon, the local government headquarters.
The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N100 million for his release. However, the family was only able to raise N5 million. Unsatisfied with the amount, the kidnappers detained two men who had delivered the money to them. They later contacted the family again, demanding N30 million for the release of all three victims.
Tragically, reports indicate that the kidnappers killed the APC chieftain on Friday and released the two other hostages.
The chairman of Ose Local Government, Mr. Clement Ojo, confirmed Adepoyigi’s death in a statement issued Sunday, describing the loss as both sad and painful. He said, “While we are thankful that the two volunteers have been freed, it is deeply heartbreaking that Mr. Nelson Adepoyigi’s life was brutally cut short by his captors.”
Ojo added that the entire leadership and people of Ose Local Government mourn the loss, extending heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and political associates of the late APC leader.
He praised Adepoyigi as a committed party man devoted to the progress of the APC, saying he will be “forever remembered and honoured” by the grassroots community.
Highlighting the worsening security situation in the area, Ojo lamented, “We are at a critical point where insecurity poses a grave threat to the safety and freedom of our people. Just days before this tragedy, another resident narrowly escaped kidnapping while parking his motorcycle. The frequency of these brazen abductions, even at the very gates of people’s homes, shows that insecurity has reached a dangerous and intolerable level.”
Attempts to reach the Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State police command, Mr. Olayinka Ayanlade, for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone line was unreachable at the time of reporting.
