Abducted Ondo APC ward chairman killed in kidnappers’ custody
By Jeffrey Agbo
Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ward 5, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nelson Adepoyigi, who was abducted earlier this week, has been killed by his captors.
Adepoyigi was kidnapped on Monday by armed assailants at the entrance to his farm along the Ifon-Owo Road in Ifon, the administrative headquarters of the local government area.
According to reports, the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of ₦100 million from his family. However, the family was only able to raise ₦5 million. The situation escalated when the abductors detained the two men sent to deliver the ransom, expressing dissatisfaction with the amount offered.
Subsequently, the kidnappers contacted the family again, demanding an additional ₦30 million to release all three hostages. Tragically, it was later gathered that the abductors executed Adepoyigi and released the two other captives on Friday.
Chairman of Ose Local Government, Clement Ojo, confirmed the APC chieftain’s death in a statement on Sunday, describing the incident as “saddening”.
He said, “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”.
“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.”
The council chairman also described the deceased as a man who dedicated to the progress of the party, and the grassroots community will be forever remembered and honoured.”
Decrying the state of insecurity in the local government, Ojo said, “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.”
