By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Chairman of Ward Five of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ose Local Government Area (LGA) of Ondo State, Nelson Adepoyigi, who was kidnapped a few days ago, has been killed by his abductors.
The development has thrown the people of Ose LGA into mourning, as the lawmaker representing the LG in the state House of Assembly, Honourable Olatunji Oshati (Maxima), decried the development.
Adepoyigi was kidnapped last Monday while parking his vehicle at his residence in Ifon.
Following the kidnap of the APC chairman, the abductors had demanded a N100 million ransom, but after series of negotiations and pleas, it was reduced to N5 million.
Adepoyigi was killed after two persons from his community in Ifon volunteered to deliver the N5 million ransom, but they were also captured by the kidnappers, who insisted that an additional N30 million ransom be paid before the release of the trio.
The two volunteers were released by the kidnappers, with sources within the community disclosing that the kidnappers confirmed that the APC chairman had been marked to be killed by those purportedly behind his abduction.
While confirming the development, the Chairman of Ose LGA, Kolapo Ojo, lamented that security challenges in the area were now in a critical situation.
“This pattern of brazen abductions, even at the very gates of people’s homes, confirms that insecurity has taken a dangerous and intolerable dimension.
“We urge our people to remain vigilant, promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security post, and stand united as we work together to overcome this threat,” he said.
Hon. Chief Oshati (Maxima), in a statement mourning the death of Mr. Adepoyigi in the hand of his abductors, described the death as one too many and most unfortunate.
In the statement signed by his media aide, Ade Akingbade, at the weekend, Maxima described the deceased as a loyal, vibrant and committed leader who never shied away from delivering on any task assigned to him.
Until his death, Mr. Adepoyigi was Special Assistant (SA) to Hon. Maxima. He was also the Chairman of APC Ward Chairmen’s Association in Ose LGA.
Maxima sent his condolences to the wife, children, the entire Adepoyigi family, the people of Ifon and the APC family in Ose.
Describing the moment as a trying one for everyone who has had a contact with the late Adepoyigi, the lawmaker, who had earlier raised his abduction on the floor of the House on Thursday, expressed sadness that the seasoned politician had been taken out in what he described as deliberate assassination, “so much so that despite the ransom being delivered, he was still callously murdered in the most unfortunate manner.”
While praying for peaceful repose of his soul, the lawmaker called on law enforcement agencies to fish out the killers of Mr. Adepoyigi “so that justice could be served and the sudden wound that has been inflicted on his family could heal up quickly.”
