Ifon, Ondo State, Nigeria – Nelson Adepoyigi, chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Ward 5 in Ose Local Government Area, has reportedly died while in the custody of kidnappers. Adepoyigi was abducted on Monday from his home along Ifon-Owo road, close to his farm.
The armed men demanded a ransom of N100 million but settled for N5 million offered by the family. They also insisted on receiving food supplies as part of the exchange. After two individuals delivered the ransom and food, the kidnappers took them hostage as well, later demanding an additional N30 million for their release.
Unfortunately, Adepoyigi was shot dead by his captors on Friday, even as they released the two others who had brought the ransom. His body has yet to be found.
Clement Ojo, chairman of Ose Local Government, confirmed the tragic news and expressed deep sorrow. “While we are grateful that the two volunteers have now regained their freedom, it is deeply saddening and utterly painful that Mr. Nelson Adepoyigi’s life was brutally cut short,” he stated. He extended condolences to the family, friends, and political associates of the deceased.
Ojo described Adepoyigi as a dedicated leader whose contributions to the party and the community will always be honored. He stressed the rising crisis of insecurity in the region, lamenting, “We are at a critical juncture where security challenges have become a serious threat to safety and freedom of our people.”
Residents of Ifon are alarmed as similar incidents have occurred recently. Just days before Adepoyigi’s abduction, another local narrowly escaped kidnapping while parking his motorcycle.
Security agencies are now being called upon to enhance patrols and surveillance to combat the growing menace of kidnappings. The Ondo State Police Commissioner, Olutokunbo Afolabi, commented, “We can’t pronounce anybody dead until we find the body. We have deployed special officers and combed the area for any sign of him.”
This incident highlights the increasing peril posed by kidnappers in Ondo and raises urgent questions about safety in the state.
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