There are strong indications that Mr. Nelson Adepoyigi, the Ward 5 Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, has been killed by his abductors.
According to reports, two individuals who went to deliver a ₦5 million ransom for Adepoyigi’s release were allowed to go free. However, upon their return, they informed community members that the kidnappers told them Mr. Adepoyigi had already been shot dead before the money was received.
The tragic development has not been officially confirmed by the authorities. Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olutokunbo Afolabi, stated on Sunday that the police have not yet verified the killing. He added that a special police unit has been deployed to Ifon, where the handover reportedly took place, to investigate the claims circulating on social media.
A community leader in Ifon, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that while the ransom couriers had safely returned home, the body of Mr. Adepoyigi has yet to be found. Searches are reportedly ongoing in the forested area where the alleged killing took place.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Ose Local Government, Mr. Clement Ojo, described the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy and a great loss to the community. He called on the police and relevant authorities to intensify efforts to bring those responsible to justice.
The case has sparked renewed concern over the growing insecurity in parts of Ondo State and the safety of local political leaders.