Kidnappers detain ransom bearers; raise demand to N30m for release of Ondo APC chairman

Tension continues to mount in the Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State following a disturbing twist in the abduction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward 5 Chairman, Mr. Nelson Adepoyigi.

The abductors, who had initially demanded a ransom of N5 million, have now detained the individuals who delivered the payment and increased their demand to N30 million.

Mr. Adepoyigi was forcefully abducted by unknown gunmen at approximately 10 p.m. on Monday outside his residence in Ifon. Eyewitnesses report that the attackers violently assaulted him before whisking him away to an undisclosed location.

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In a desperate effort to secure his release, two community members, identified as Bayode Loco and Isimeri, were sent to deliver the agreed N5 million ransom to the kidnappers.

However, upon arriving at the designated location, the abductors reneged on the arrangement and took the ransom bearers hostage, now holding a total of three individuals captive.

Sources familiar with the development revealed that the kidnappers have since reached out to the families and are now demanding a staggering N30 million for the release of all three hostages.

As of the time of filing this report, the Ondo State Police Command has not released an official statement regarding the incident.

The silence from the authorities has further heightened anxiety among residents of Ifon and surrounding communities, who are calling on the government and security agencies to act swiftly to rescue the victims.

The incident adds to the growing concerns over insecurity and the increasing boldness of criminal elements operating in the region.