The Ondo State All Progressives Congress has called on the security agencies in the state to apprehend the gun-wielding miscreants who allegedly perpetrated the killing of the party’s chairman in Ward 5, Ifon, Ose Local Government Area, Mr Nelson Adepoyigi.
This is as the chairman of Ose Local Government Area, Mr Clement Ojo, Criticised the spate of insecurity in the council and urged for the arrest of the perpetrators.
The calls followed the death of Adepoyigi in the den of the bandits.
The deceased APC chieftain was reportedly killed on Friday, following his abduction by some armed men at the entrance of his farm along Ifon-Owo Road, last week.
The abductors, who reportedly contacted the family, demanded N100m for his release, but the family was able to raise N5m.
The bandits reportedly held the two men who took the money to them hostage as they contacted the family again, demanding N30m to release the three victims.
The hoodlums finally shot the APC ward chairman dead and freed the two others on Friday.
The state APC Chairman, Mr Ade Adetimehin, in a statement signed by the party’s Director of Media and Publicity, Mr Steve Otaloro, urged the security agencies in the state to fish out the miscreants who allegedly perpetrated the dastardly act.
The statement read, “The All Progressives Congress, Ondo State chapter, expresses profound sorrow and concern over the tragic incident involving our esteemed member, Mr Nelson Adepoyigi, the APC ward 5 chairman in Ose Local Government Area, who was kidnapped and, according to alarming reports, killed by his abductors.
“We are still awaiting an official position from the relevant security agencies regarding the kidnapping and the allegations surrounding Mr Adepoyigi’s death.
“As a party, we are deeply troubled by the news of his abduction, which has shattered the peace of our community.
“We urge the security authorities to intensify their search efforts in the forested areas where the kidnappers are believed to be hiding.”
The party demanded swift action by the security agencies, especially as we have credible eyewitness accounts of individuals who delivered money to the kidnappers’ hideout.
“The safety of our citizens must remain a top priority, and we call on all relevant agencies to take immediate and decisive action to combat this growing threat to our communities.”
Ojo, who confirmed the death of the party chieftain in a statement on Sunday, described it as sad and painful, as he lamented the rising insecurity in the council area.
He said, “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.
“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.”
Decrying rising insecurity, Ojo said, “We are now at a critical juncture where security challenges have become a serious threat to the safety and freedom of our people.
“Only a few days before this incident, another resident narrowly escaped being kidnapped while parking his motorcycle.
“This pattern of brazen abductions, even at the very gates of people’s homes, confirms that insecurity has taken a dangerous and intolerable dimension.”
He described the deceased as dedicated to the party’s progress, adding that the grassroots would forever remember and honour him.
