The All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman for Ward 5 in Ifon, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nelson Adepoyigi, has been killed by his abductors despite a ransom payment of ₦5 million. Adepoyigi was kidnapped on Monday night near his residence along the Ifon/Owo road. Initially, the kidnappers demanded ₦100 million, which was later negotiated down by the victim’s family. However, in a shocking twist, the two men sent to deliver the ransom—Bayode Loco and Isimeri—were also abducted, and a fresh demand of ₦30 million was made for all three.
On Sunday, the Chairman of Ose Local Government, Clement Kolapo Ojo, confirmed Adepoyigi’s death in captivity. In a statement by his spokesperson, Oluwaseun Ogunniyi, Ojo revealed that the two ransom bearers had been released to deliver the tragic news. He described the killing as “deeply saddening and utterly painful,” offering condolences to Adepoyigi’s family and political associates, and called for urgent federal intervention to curb the surge in insecurity in the state.
Ojo condemned the rising spate of kidnappings and violent crimes plaguing Ose and neighbouring communities. He noted that the attack follows other recent abduction attempts, including one involving a resident who narrowly escaped being kidnapped at his doorstep. “This pattern of brazen abductions confirms that insecurity has taken a dangerous and intolerable dimension,” he warned.
Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, confirmed that the command’s tactical team has launched a manhunt in the Ifon forests to verify Adepoyigi’s death and pursue the kidnappers. “Our men are combing the area to smoke out the captors,” Afolabi said, promising that further updates would be provided as the investigation unfolds.
