By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
Tragedy has struck the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, as Mr Nelson Adepoyigi, Chairman of Ward 5 in Ose Local Government Area, is feared to have been killed by his abductors just days after being taken from his residence in Ifon.
Despite efforts by the community to secure his release, including the payment of a ₦5 million ransom and delivery of food items, the kidnappers reportedly reneged on the deal and demanded an additional ₦30 million for the release of all three captives: Adepoyigi and the two individuals who delivered the ransom.
According to sources within the community, the two ransom bearers were eventually freed and have safely returned home, but brought with them grim news the abductors allegedly told them they had shot Adepoyigi dead.
The victim’s body has yet to be recovered from the forest where he was reportedly held, heightening fears and sorrow among local residents.
Clement Kolapo Ojo, Chairman of Ose Local Government, confirmed the harrowing development and expressed profound grief over the presumed death.
“While we are grateful that the two volunteers have regained their freedom, it is deeply saddening and utterly painful that the life of Mr Nelson Adepoyigi was brutally cut short by his captors,” he said.
He extended condolences to the family, friends, and political allies of Adepoyigi, describing him as a dedicated grassroots leader whose contributions to the APC and the wider community would not be forgotten.
Ojo also used the moment to decry the deteriorating security situation in the area, recalling a recent incident in which a resident narrowly escaped abduction 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,” he warned.
Calling for swift and decisive intervention, the council chairman urged security agencies to enhance their presence and infrastructure in vulnerable regions, advocating for better surveillance, intelligence sharing, and stronger cooperation among federal, state, and local authorities.
“The safety and well-being of our constituents are non-negotiable. We must not fold our arms while law-abiding citizens continue to live in fear and fall prey to kidnappers. Every life lost is a blow to the peace, growth, and stability of our communities,” Ojo stressed.
He further pledged the local government’s full commitment to collaborating with security stakeholders to ensure justice is served and to prevent a recurrence of such heinous crimes.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Olutokunbo Afolabi, said that while investigations are ongoing, Adepoyigi’s death has not yet been officially confirmed.
He disclosed that special operatives have been deployed to Ifon to verify the reports currently circulating on social media.
