Abducted Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Ifon in the Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nelson Adepoyigi, has been killed by his abductors.
His abductors initially demanded a ransom of N100 million to release him, but it was negotiated by his family to N5 million.
In a twist, two ransom bearers; identified as Bayode Loco and Isimeri, were detained by the bandits on Wednesday.
The gunmen, however, made a fresh demand of N30 million to release the three captives, including Mr Adepoyigi.
But on Sunday, the Chairman of Ose Local Government, Clement Kolapo Ojo, confirmed the killing of the APC local chairman in kidnappers’ den.
In a statement by his spokesman, Oluwaseun Ogunniyi, Mr Ojo said Mr Adepoyigi was killed by his captors while the two ransom bearers were released to deliver news of his death.
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 boss lamented the rising insecurity in the area following the tragic death of the APC Chairman.
While commiserating with the family of the deceased, he called on the federal government to support the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa administration to defeat banditry and other forms of criminality in the state.
Mr Ojo highlighted the dedication of the late Mr Adepoyigi to the party’s progress and the grassroots community, noting that he would be remembered and honoured.
He stated, “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 gates of people’s homes, confirms that insecurity has taken a dangerous and intolerable dimension.”
Contacted, the state Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, told Peoples Gazette that the tactical team of the police command was currently combing the bush in Ifon to ascertain the veracity of the chairman’s death.
Mr Afolabi said, “That’s the update I can give you for now. Our men are all over there to comb the forest, especially to smoke out the captors.”
