The tranquility of Ose Local Government Area in Ondo State, Nigeria, was shattered by the brutal abduction and subsequent murder of Mr. Nelson Adepoyigi, the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ward 5, Ifon. The incident, which unfolded over several days, began with Adepoyigi’s kidnapping at the entrance of his farm along the Ifon-Owo Road. The abductors, a group of armed men, quickly contacted Adepoyigi’s family and demanded a staggering ransom of N100 million for his release. The family, after frantic efforts, managed to raise N5 million, a sum far short of the criminals’ demand. Two brave individuals volunteered to deliver the money to the kidnappers’ hideout, a risky endeavor that would tragically escalate the already tense situation.
Upon receiving the N5 million, the kidnappers, far from honoring their agreement to release Adepoyigi, detained the two individuals who had delivered the ransom. They then contacted the family again, increasing their demand to N30 million for the release of all three captives. This audacious move underscored the escalating danger and the kidnappers’ blatant disregard for human life. The family’s hopes for a peaceful resolution were dashed when the criminals, failing to receive the additional ransom, resorted to violence. They tragically ended Adepoyigi’s life, shooting him dead while releasing the two other captives. The surviving individuals, though traumatized by their ordeal, provided crucial eyewitness accounts of the kidnappers’ hideout and the events leading up to Adepoyigi’s death.
The news of Adepoyigi’s murder sent shockwaves through the Ondo State APC and the wider community. Ade Adetimehin, the state chairman of the APC, expressed profound sorrow and concern, urging the security agencies to swiftly apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous act. In a statement released through the party’s Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, the APC condemned the tragic incident and emphasized the need for a thorough investigation. The party acknowledged awaiting official confirmation from security agencies regarding the circumstances surrounding Adepoyigi’s death, highlighting the reliance on eyewitness accounts and the urgency of official pronouncements. The APC’s call for intensified search efforts in the forested areas where the kidnappers were believed to be hiding underscored the challenging terrain and the need for a robust security response.
Mr. Clement Ojo, the chairman of Ose Local Government Area, echoed the sentiments of the APC, describing Adepoyigi’s death as a tragic loss for the community. He expressed gratitude for the safe return of the two individuals who had delivered the ransom while lamenting the rising insecurity plaguing the council area. Ojo’s account painted a grim picture of the escalating security challenges, highlighting a recent incident where another resident narrowly escaped kidnapping while parking his motorcycle. This pattern of brazen abductions, occurring even near people’s homes, emphasized the growing threat and the urgent need for enhanced security measures. Ojo’s words underscored the palpable fear and anxiety gripping the community in the face of such brazen acts of violence.
The incident has exposed the vulnerability of citizens and the urgent need for effective security measures in Ondo State. The abduction and killing of a prominent political figure like Adepoyigi signify a disturbing trend of escalating violence and criminality. The audacity of the kidnappers, who operated with apparent impunity, highlights the challenges facing law enforcement agencies in tackling this growing menace. The demands for swift action and justice from both the APC and the local government chairman underscore the community’s frustration and the need for a decisive response from the authorities. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and security and the importance of collaborative efforts to safeguard citizens and their communities.
Adepoyigi’s death is not merely a statistic; it represents a profound loss for his family, friends, and the political landscape of Ondo State. Remembered as a dedicated member of the APC, his contributions to the party and the community will be deeply missed. The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the human cost of insecurity and the urgent need for collective action to address the root causes of violence and criminality. The call for justice resonates throughout the community, as people seek not only the apprehension of the perpetrators but also long-term solutions to ensure the safety and security of all residents.
