On May 12, 2025, a chilling incident shook the quiet town of Ifon in Ose Local Government Area (LGA) of Ondo State, Nigeria. Nelson Adepoyigi, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward 5 Chairman, was abducted from his home in a brazen act that would soon spiral into a heartbreaking tragedy. What began as a targeted kidnapping ended in the brutal murder of a community leader, despite his family and associates meeting the kidnappers’ ransom demands. This incident not only highlights the escalating insecurity in Nigeria but also underscores the devastating impact of kidnapping on families, communities, and the nation at large.
The Kidnapping: A Night of Terror
The ordeal began around 10 p.m. on May 12, when Adepoyigi was parking his car at his residence in Ifon. According to reports, armed assailants ambushed him, seizing him from the safety of his home and plunging his family into a nightmare. The audacity of the attack, carried out in a residential area, sent shockwaves through the community, raising questions about the safety of even the most ordinary moments.
The kidnappers wasted no time in making their demands known. They contacted Adepoyigi’s family, initially demanding a staggering N100 million ransom for his release. For a local political figure and community leader, this sum was astronomical, reflecting the growing boldness of criminal gangs who exploit Nigeria’s security challenges for profit. The family, desperate to secure Adepoyigi’s safe return, entered into negotiations with the abductors, a process fraught with fear and uncertainty.
Negotiations and Ransom Payment
After tense negotiations, the kidnappers reduced their demand to N5 million, along with additional items such as food supplies. While this amount was still significant, it represented a glimmer of hope that Adepoyigi might be released unharmed. The family and community rallied to gather the funds, a task that often places immense financial and emotional strain on victims’ loved ones.
Two individuals, identified as Bayode Loco and Isimeri, were tasked with delivering the ransom to the kidnappers. Their bravery in stepping into such a dangerous situation cannot be overstated, as ransom deliveries often carry risks of betrayal or violence. The duo followed the kidnappers’ instructions, delivering the N5 million and the requested items to a designated location, likely in one of the dense forests or remote areas that have become havens for criminal gangs in Ondo State.
However, the kidnappers’ greed and cruelty soon became apparent. Instead of releasing Adepoyigi as promised, they detained Loco and Isimeri, effectively turning the ransom bearers into additional hostages. The abductors then issued a new demand: an additional N30 million for the release of all three captives. This escalation underscored the unpredictable and ruthless nature of kidnapping syndicates, who often exploit victims’ families for maximum gain with little regard for human life.
A Tragic Outcome
Despite the family’s compliance with the initial ransom demand, the situation took a devastating turn. On May 16, 2025, Bayode Loco and Isimeri were released by the kidnappers, offering a brief moment of relief for their families. However, this relief was overshadowed by the grim news that followed: Nelson Adepoyigi had been killed by his captors. The exact circumstances of his death remain unclear, but the outcome sent shockwaves through Ose LGA and beyond.
The murder of Adepoyigi, even after the ransom was paid, highlights a disturbing trend in Nigeria’s kidnapping epidemic. Criminals increasingly act with impunity, showing little regard for agreements or the lives of their victims. For Adepoyigi’s family, friends, and political associates, the loss was profound. A man described as a dedicated leader and a pillar of his community was taken in a senseless act of violence, leaving a void that will be difficult to fill.
Community and Official Reactions
The news of Adepoyigi’s death sparked outrage and grief across Ose LGA. Hon. Clement Kolapo Ojo, the Chairman of Ose LGA, publicly confirmed the tragic incident, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of a respected colleague. In his statement, Ojo condemned the rising wave of insecurity in the region, calling for urgent action to address the growing threat of kidnapping and violent crime. His words echoed the frustrations of many Nigerians who feel abandoned by a system struggling to contain the tide of criminality.
Local residents, too, voiced their fears and anger. Ifon, once a relatively peaceful town, has become a hotspot for kidnappings, with criminals exploiting its proximity to forested areas and poorly policed roads. Adepoyigi’s killing was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of violence that has disrupted lives and instilled fear in communities across Ondo State.
Security agencies, including the Ondo State Police Command, have reportedly launched operations to track down the perpetrators. According to sources, police and other security forces are combing the forests and surrounding areas in search of the kidnappers. However, the challenges of policing vast, ungoverned spaces, coupled with limited resources and intelligence, have made such efforts difficult. For now, the killers remain at large, adding to the sense of injustice felt by Adepoyigi’s loved ones.
Conclusion
The kidnapping and murder of Nelson Adepoyigi is a heartbreaking chapter in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with insecurity. His abduction from his home, the extortion of his family, and his senseless killing despite ransom payments reflect the cruelty and impunity of criminal gangs. As Ose LGA mourns the loss of a beloved leader, the incident underscores the urgent need for stronger security measures, economic reforms, and community-driven solutions to combat kidnapping.
We extend our deepest condolences to Adepoyigi’s family, friends, and colleagues. May his soul rest in peace, and may his death inspire action to ensure that no more lives are lost to this preventable scourge. For now, the people of Ondo State and Nigeria as a whole await justice, hoping for a future where safety and security are not luxuries but guarantees.
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