Shock and grief have gripped Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State following confirmation that the kidnapped All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward 5 Chairman, Nelson Adepoyigi, has been murdered by his abductors despite efforts to secure his release with a ₦5 million ransom and food supplies.
The two individuals who delivered the ransom were also abducted during the exchange, with the captors raising their demand to ₦30 million, though the volunteers were eventually released.
Community leaders and local officials confirmed Adepoyigi’s death, though his body had not been recovered as of press time, with the killers reportedly operating deep within the forests surrounding Ifon.
“The entire leadership and people of Ose Local Government mourn this tragic loss,” said Clement Ojo, Chairman of the Council, who also praised the volunteers’ safe return but lamented the worsening state of insecurity.
“We are now at a critical juncture where security challenges have become a serious threat to the safety and freedom of our people,” Mr Ojo said, citing recent attempted abductions that highlight the boldness of criminal gangs.
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He called for an immediate intervention from security agencies, including increased deployment, improved intelligence gathering, and tighter community policing.
The Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Olutokunbo Afolabi, stated that while the police could not confirm Adepoyigi’s death at the time, a special tactical team had been deployed to Ifon to investigate.
The tragedy marks yet another chapter in the region’s struggle with lawlessness, particularly in Ose, where kidnappings, extortion, and violent crime have become alarmingly routine.
“His dedication to the progress of our party and the grassroots community will be forever remembered,” Ojo added, underscoring the political and emotional toll of the killing.
The community continues to demand justice and the arrest of the perpetrators, who have remained elusive despite the repeated pattern of attacks.
The murder of Mr Adepoyigi has intensified calls for state and federal governments to declare a security emergency in the area and bring tangible relief to traumatised residents.
