Mr. Nelson Adepoyigi, chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ward 5, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, has been killed by his abductors just days after his kidnapping.
Adepoyigi was seized by armed assailants on Monday at the entrance of his farm, located along Ifon-Owo Road in Ifon, the headquarters of the local government.
Following his abduction, the kidnappers contacted his family, demanding a ransom of ₦100 million.
The family, however, was only able to raise ₦5 million. Upon delivery of the reduced amount, the kidnappers detained the two men who brought the money, expressing dissatisfaction.
Subsequently, the abductors demanded an additional ₦30 million for the release of all three captives.
However, it was reported that the hoodlums killed Adepoyigi and released the two men on Friday.
Mr. Clement Ojo, Chairman of Ose Local Government, confirmed Adepoyigi’s death in a statement issued on Sunday, describing the incident as heartbreaking and tragic.
“While we are relieved that the two volunteers have regained their freedom, the brutal murder of Mr. Nelson Adepoyigi by his captors is deeply saddening and utterly painful,” he stated.
Ojo expressed condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and political allies, noting that Adepoyigi was a committed grassroots leader whose contributions to the APC and the local community would be remembered.
He also raised alarm over the deteriorating security situation in the area.
“We are now at a critical juncture where security threats have escalated, jeopardising the safety and freedom of our residents,” he said.
According to Ojo, another local narrowly escaped abduction just days earlier while parking his motorcycle, pointing to a disturbing trend of brazen kidnappings at residential doorsteps.
Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, Mr. Olayinka Ayanlade, were unsuccessful as his mobile line was unreachable at the time of filing this report.
