The abductors of Nelson Adepoyigi, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward 5 Chairman in Ifon, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, have reportedly detained the two individuals who delivered the ransom meant for his release.
Adepoyigi was kidnapped on Monday night at the entrance of his residence along the Ifon/Owo road.
According to reports, the assailants dragged him out of his vehicle, struck him with a plank, and took him into the forest.
Initially, the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N100 million but later reduced the figure to N5 million after negotiations with the victim’s family.
Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olusola Olayinka, told newsmen that a joint operation involving security agencies, local hunters, and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria had been mobilized to track down the criminals.
However, the situation took a disturbing turn when the two men who delivered the ransom were also taken hostage.
Identified only as Bayode Loco and Isimeri, the pair were detained by the kidnappers around midnight on Wednesday.
“The two men who took the ransom to them, as agreed during negotiations, have been held by the kidnappers as I speak with you,” a family source disclosed under anonymity.
The source further revealed that the kidnappers are now demanding a fresh ransom and other conditions before releasing Adepoyigi and the two intermediaries.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ose Local Government Area, Hon. Kolapo Oja, expressed deep concern.
“They (bandits) have turned around to demand a fresh N30 million before they would release the three men, including Mr Adepoyigi,” Mr. Oja said.
He appealed for calm among residents, assuring that security agencies were intensifying efforts to ensure the victims’ safe return.
Attempts to reach the state police spokesperson for further updates were unsuccessful as his phone remained unreachable.
