In a dramatic escalation of an already tense situation, the kidnappers of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward Chairman in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nelson Adepoyigi, have abducted two sent to deliver an agreed ransom to the chieftain’s abductors.
After the two men, who were identified as Bayode Loco and Isimeri, abduction, the gunmen were reported to have demanded that the family of the three men pay N30 million for the release of all victims in their den.
This development came three days after Adepoyigi was abducted around 10 p.m. at the entrance of his residence in Ifon, where he was reportedly beaten and forcefully taken away.
Initially, the abductors had demanded N100 million, but later reduced the ransom to N5 million alongside food items after negotiations with the victim’s family and associates.
However, events took a disturbing turn when the two individuals who went to deliver the ransom were also seized by the gunmen.
“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.”
The development has thrown the families and political associates of the victims into renewed panic.
Chairman of Ose Local Government, Hon. Kolapo Oja, who had earlier confirmed the negotiation and reduction of ransom, expressed dismay over the latest development. He called for calm, assuring that security agencies are intensifying efforts to rescue the victims.
