Nelson Adepoyigi, the ward chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ward 5, Ifon, located in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, has been murdered by his abductors.
He was kidnapped from his home in Ifon several days ago.
Sources say that the abductors released two individuals who had brought N5 million and food supplies as part of efforts to negotiate Adepoyigi’s freedom.
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Although the kidnappers had originally demanded N100 million, the ransom was eventually negotiated down to N5 million.
However, after receiving the ransom, they allegedly held on to the emissaries and demanded an additional N30 million.
Clement Kolapo Ojo, Chairman of Ose Local Government Area, confirmed the unfortunate development through a statement issued on Saturday by his media aide, Oluwaseun Ogunniyi.
“While we are grateful that the two volunteers have now regained their freedom, it is deeply saddening and utterly painful that the life of Nelson Adepoyigi was brutally cut short by his captors,” the statement reads.
“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.
“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.
“We urge our people to remain vigilant, promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security post, and stand united as we work together to overcome this threat.”
The Ondo State Police Command is yet toconfirm Adepoyigi’s death.
However, Wilfred Afolabi, the state Commissioner of Police, disclosed that a team of investigators has been dispatched to Ifon to look into the matter.