Kidnappers who abducted Nelson Adepoyigi, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman in the Ose council area of Ondo State, have reportedly detained the ransom bearers inside a forest.
Adepoyigi, chairman of APC Ward 5 in Ifon, was kidnapped on Monday night at the entrance to his home along the Ifon/Owo road. Sources say the kidnappers dragged him from his vehicle, assaulted him with a plank, and took him into the forest.
The abductors initially demanded N100 million for his release but later agreed to N5 million. However, after negotiations, the two men who delivered the ransom—identified as Bayode Loco and Isimeri—were tied up and held by the kidnappers at midnight on Wednesday.
A family source who requested anonymity told RootedScope Media, “The two men who took the ransom to them, as agreed during negotiations, have been held by the kidnappers as I speak with you.”
The kidnappers have now reportedly escalated their demands, seeking more ransom and concessions for the release of Adepoyigi and the two men.
The development has thrown the APC chairman’s family and political associates into panic, according to sources on Thursday morning.
Hon. Kolapo Oja, chairman of Ose Local Government Area, confirmed the ongoing negotiations and expressed concern over the new demands. “They (bandits) have turned around to demand a fresh N30 million before they would release the three men, including Mr Adepoyigi,” he said in a brief interview.
Oja appealed for calm among residents as security agencies intensify efforts to secure the release of the victims.
Police spokesman Olusola Olayinka confirmed earlier that a joint security team, including hunters and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, has launched a manhunt for the kidnappers. Efforts to reach him for further comments on the fresh developments were unsuccessful.
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