Tragedy struck in Ondo State as Mr. Nelson Adepoyigi, the All Progressives Congress, chairman for Ward 5 in Ose Local Government Area, was reportedly killed by his abductors after spending several days in captivity.
According to The PUNCH, Adepoyigi was kidnapped on Monday at the entrance to his farm along Ifon-Owo Road in Ifon, the headquarters of Ose Local Government. Armed men had stormed his residence and whisked him away in what has become another grim reminder of the region’s rising insecurity.
According to sources, the kidnappers initially demanded N100 million for his release. However, the victim’s family was only able to raise N5 million, which was delivered by two men on behalf of the family. In a shocking twist, the kidnappers detained the two couriers and later demanded an additional N30 million to release all three.
The situation took a tragic turn on Friday when the kidnappers allegedly shot Adepoyigi dead and released the other two men.
Confirming the incident, Chairman of Ose Local Government, Mr. Clement Ojo, described the killing as heartbreaking. “While we are grateful that the two volunteers have now regained their freedom, it is deeply saddening and utterly painful that the life of Mr. Nelson Adepoyigi was brutally cut short by his captors,” he said in a statement.
“The entire leadership and people of Ose Local Government mourn this tragic loss. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and political associates of the deceased,” Ojo added.
He praised Adepoyigi as a committed grassroots leader whose contributions to the party and his community would not be forgotten.
The council chairman also raised concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the area. “We are now at a critical juncture where security challenges have become a serious threat to the safety and freedom of our people. Just a few days before this incident, another resident narrowly escaped being kidnapped while parking his motorcycle,” he said.
