Tragedy in Ondo: APC Chairman Nelson Adepoyigi K!lled by Kidnappers After Ransom Negotiation

 

The peace of Ifon community in Ose Local Government Area, Ondo State, was shattered recently following the tragic k!lling of Mr. Nelson Adepoyigi, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman of Ward 5, by kidnappers who had abducted him days earlier. The disturbing event has not only thrown the community into mourning but also reignited deep concerns about the deteriorating state of security in Ondo State and Nigeria at large.

Who Was Nelson Adepoyigi?

Before his untimely demise, Nelson Adepoyigi was a respected political figure in Ondo State. He served as the APC Chairman for Ward 5 in Ose Local Government Area and was known for his unwavering commitment to the growth and success of the party at the grassroots level. According to Clement Ojo, the Chairman of Ose Local Government, Adepoyigi was “a man who dedicated [himself] to the progress of the party, and the grassroots community will forever remember and honour [him].”

His dedication made him a symbol of political leadership and grassroots activism in the region. Tragically, his contributions were cut short in the most violent and heartbreaking manner.

How It Happened: A Timeline of the Kidnapping and Murder

The Abduction

Mr. Adepoyigi was kidnapped at his residence along Ifon-Owo Road in Ifon, the headquarters of Ose LGA, on a Monday. Eyewitnesses claim that he was seized by armed gunmen who stormed his home and whisked him away under the cover of darkness. The incident sent shockwaves through the community and ignited widespread fear among residents.

The Ransom Demand

After the abduction, the kidnappers reportedly reached out to the family and demanded a whopping N100 million as ransom. This outrageous demand sent the family and political associates scrambling to negotiate a lower amount in hopes of securing Adepoyigi’s safe release.

Following intense negotiations, the kidnappers eventually reduced their demand to N5 million, an amount that the family and supporters managed to gather.

A Cruel Twist of Events

However, just when it seemed the matter would end with Adepoyigi’s release, the situation took a cruel and unexpected turn. According to reports, the two men who were sent to deliver the N5 million ransom to the abductors were themselves detained by the kidnappers.

Instead of releasing Mr. Adepoyigi, the criminals made a new demand of N30 million, this time for the release of all three hostages — Adepoyigi and the two ransom couriers. The family, friends, and community were plunged into a deeper state of despair.

The Final Outcome: Death and Release

Despite frantic efforts to meet the new demands, the kidnappers made a deadly decision. On Friday, they reportedly shot and k!lled Nelson Adepoyigi and released the two ransom carriers. This horrifying conclusion was confirmed by Clement Ojo, the Chairman of Ose Local Government, in an official statement released on Sunday.

He stated:

“While we are grateful that the two volunteers have now regained their freedom, it is deeply saddening and utterly painful that the life of Mr. Nelson Adepoyigi was brutally cut short by his captors.”

This statement has since triggered an outpouring of grief, anger, and condemnation from all corners of Ondo State.

Community in Mourning

The people of Ose Local Government are still trying to come to terms with this gruesome murder. Tributes have poured in from political leaders, community elders, party members, and ordinary citizens who knew and admired Mr. Adepoyigi.

Clement Ojo captured the mood of the community when he said:

“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.”

Mr. Adepoyigi is being remembered as a leader who stood firm in the face of political challenges and worked tirelessly for the betterment of his local government. His death is a reminder of the heavy price citizens continue to pay due to Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.

Insecurity in Ondo State: A Growing Threat

The incident has reignited conversations about insecurity in Ondo State, particularly in rural areas like Ose LGA. Armed robberies, kidnappings, and violent crimes have become disturbingly frequent, making ordinary life increasingly unsafe.

Ojo added:

“We are now at a critical juncture where security challenges have become a serious threat to the safety and freedom of our people.”

He also noted that just days before Adepoyigi’s abduction, another resident narrowly escaped being kidnapped while simply parking his motorcycle. These kinds of incidents underline the fact that criminal activities are now happening at the very gates of people's homes, signaling a dangerous escalation in criminal boldness and impunity.

“This pattern of brazen abductions, even at the very gates of people’s homes, confirms that insecurity has taken a dangerous and intolerable dimension,” Ojo said.

The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Nigeria

This tragedy is more than just an isolated case — it reflects the wider security challenges facing Nigeria. From banditry in the North-West to secessionist unrest in the South-East and kidnapping-for-ransom in the South-West, no region is truly safe anymore.

Despite efforts by security agencies, the kidnap-for-ransom industry continues to thrive. Rural areas, where security presence is thin or nonexistent, have become soft targets for criminal syndicates. Political leaders, traditional rulers, and even religious figures are not exempt.

This case also highlights the failure of intelligence gathering and rapid response systems. It is shocking that despite the high profile of the victim, no rescue operation could intercept the kidnappers before they ended his life.

What Needs to Be Done?

1. Stronger Community Policing: Local vigilante groups and community security initiatives must be better organized and supported with resources, training, and legal frameworks.

2. Technology-Driven Intelligence: The use of drones, surveillance cameras, and digital tracking tools must be intensified to monitor criminal activities.

3. State and Federal Coordination: The Ondo State government and federal security agencies must collaborate to root out criminal networks hiding in forests and border areas.

4. Justice for Adepoyigi: The government must ensure that those responsible for this heinous crime are found, arrested, and prosecuted. Anything less will embolden more attacks.

Conclusion

The brutal murder of Nelson Adepoyigi, the APC Ward 5 Chairman in Ose LGA, Ondo State, is not just a personal tragedy for his family — it is a tragic symbol of Nigeria’s ongoing security crisis. His death has sent ripples of fear, grief, and anger throughout the state and across the nation.

We at NaijaRush join the people of Ondo in mourning this irreplaceable loss. We also call on the government at all levels to step up and take bold, urgent action to end the rising wave of kidnappings and violence.

Let Nelson Adepoyigi's death not be in vain. Let it spark a renewed commitment to peace, safety, and justice in every corner of Nigeria.