The abductors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward 5 Chairman in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nelson Adepoyigi, have taken a dark turn in their criminal act.
The kidnappers, who earlier agreed to a reduced ransom amount, have now captured two individuals who went to deliver the ransom and are demanding even more money.
According to local reports, the two men — Bayode Loco and Isimeri — had stepped forward to deliver the previously agreed N5 million ransom and food items for Adepoyigi’s release. However, upon meeting the kidnappers, both men were also taken hostage. The abductors are now asking for a new ransom of N30 million for the release of all three victims.
The incident began on Monday night when Adepoyigi was kidnapped around 10 p.m. outside his residence in Ifon, a community in Ose LGA. Eyewitnesses said the attackers physically assaulted him before whisking him away into the forest.
Initially, the abductors had asked for N100 million. After days of tense negotiation, they dropped their demand to N5 million along with food supplies. Family members and party supporters saw this as progress and scrambled to gather the amount. But that hope quickly vanished once the kidnappers reneged on the deal and captured the delivery men.
A source close to the situation, who preferred not to be named, told DAILY POST, “Those who took the ransom to them, as agreed during negotiations, were held by the same kidnappers. They have now turned around to demand a fresh N30 million before they can release all three of them.”
This sudden twist has deepened panic within the community and the local political circles, with many now uncertain about what steps to take next. People who once believed Adepoyigi would be freed soon are now left feeling helpless and afraid.
Ose Local Council Chairman, Kolapo Oja, confirmed the events. He noted that earlier talks had led to the reduction of the ransom and that food items were part of the bargain. He expressed concern about the new demand and asked for calm as security forces work on the case.
“We are in touch with the right authorities,” he said. “Efforts are ongoing to ensure their safe return.”
