JUST IN: Kidnapped Ondo APC Chairman Killed Despite N5 Million Ransom Payment

Tragedy struck in Ondo State as Nelson Adepoyigi, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman for Ward 5 in Ifon, Ose Local Government Area, was confirmed killed by his abductors after days in captivity. Adepoyigi was kidnapped around 11 p.m. last Monday at the entrance of his home on the Ifon/Owo Road. His abduction triggered a tense standoff, with the kidnappers initially demanding N100 million in ransom before it was negotiated down to N5 million by his family.

However, complications arose midweek when two individuals sent to deliver the ransom, identified as Bayode Loco and Isimeri, were themselves held hostage. The captors subsequently raised their demand to N30 million for the release of all three men.

On Sunday, the grim confirmation came from the Chairman of Ose Local Government, Clement Kolapo Ojo, who announced Adepoyigi’s death. According to a statement released by his spokesman, Oluwaseun Ogunniyi, the two ransom couriers were freed to relay the news of Adepoyigi’s murder.

Ojo described the killing as deeply painful and condemned the rising tide of insecurity in the area. “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,” he said, extending condolences to the victim’s family and political allies.

He urged the federal government to provide more support to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration in confronting the growing threat of banditry and criminality in the state. Ojo also praised Adepoyigi’s commitment to the APC and his community, saying his contributions would be remembered.

The council chairman warned that the situation in Ifon had reached a dangerous level, citing recent near-abduction incidents, including one involving a resident nearly taken while parking his motorcycle.

In response to the situation, Ondo State Commissioner of Police Wilfred Afolabi told newsmen that police tactical teams are combing the forest in Ifon to verify details of Adepoyigi’s reported death and to pursue the perpetrators. “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,” Afolabi stated.