Tragedy has struck the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State as Mr. Nelson Adepoyigi, chairman of Ward 5 in Ose Local Government Area, was killed in captivity by his abductors after days in their custody.
Adepoyigi was abducted on Monday by armed men at the entrance of his farm along the Ifon-Owo Road in Ifon, the headquarters of the local government. The kidnappers initially demanded N100 million in ransom but reportedly received only N5 million from the family.
According to local sources, the kidnappers, displeased with the amount, detained the two individuals who delivered the money and later demanded an additional N30 million for the release of all three men. The situation took a grim turn on Friday when the abductors allegedly shot Adepoyigi dead while releasing the two others.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ose Local Government, Mr. Clement Ojo, described the news as both devastating and deeply painful.
“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,” Ojo stated in a message seen on Sunday.
He continued, “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 also praised Adepoyigi’s contributions to local politics and community development, noting, “He was dedicated to the progress of the party, and the grassroots community will forever remember and honour him.”
Expressing concern over rising insecurity in the region, Ojo added, “We are now at a critical juncture where security challenges have become a serious threat to the safety and freedom of our people. Only a few days before this incident, another resident narrowly escaped being kidnapped while parking his motorcycle. This pattern of brazen abductions, even at the very gates of people’s homes, confirms that insecurity has taken a dangerous and intolerable dimension.”
Attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer for the Ondo State Command, Mr. Olayinka Ayanlade, for comment were unsuccessful as his phone remained unreachable at the time of this report.