Drama in Ondo: Kidnappers Detain Ransom Bearers, Demand Fresh ₦30M for APC Chairman and Others

By News24Hours | Ondo State, Nigeria | May 15, 2025

In a shocking escalation of events, kidnappers who abducted Nelson Adepoyigi, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, have now detained individuals sent to deliver his ransom, demanding an additional ₦30 million for the release of all three captives.

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🎥 From Negotiation to Nightmare

Sources close to the family confirmed that the ransom bearers were dispatched in good faith after the abductors agreed to release Adepoyigi in exchange for a negotiated sum. However, upon reaching the designated drop-off location, the kidnappers reneged on their promise, seizing the ransom carriers instead.

“They just turned on them and took them too,” one source said, describing the development as “devastating and cruel.”

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📞 New Demands

The kidnappers have now escalated their demands, calling the families to insist on a fresh ₦30 million to release all three hostages. They reportedly warned of dire consequences if their demands are not met soon.

Community members say the initial ransom amount—which has not been disclosed publicly—was painstakingly raised through family, party, and community contributions.

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🧍‍♂️ Security Response

The Ondo State Police Command has not officially commented on the incident at the time of filing this report. However, a local vigilante source confirmed that security forces have intensified efforts in tracking the abductors’ hideout, though no breakthrough has been announced yet.

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🗳️ Political Tension Rising

The abduction and dramatic turn of events have sparked fear and outrage in the local political landscape, with residents, party members, and civil society organizations calling for urgent government intervention.

“This is beyond criminality—it’s a direct assault on the political stability of Ose LGA and Ondo State at large,” said one APC ward leader.

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🔍 The Bigger Picture

This latest incident underscores the worsening insecurity crisis in Nigeria, particularly in the Southwest region, where cases of kidnapping-for-ransom continue to rise. The targeting of political figures has now become a concerning trend.

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⚠️ What Happens Next?

Negotiations are reportedly ongoing through backchannels, while security operatives comb the forests and border areas in search of the hostages. Families remain in anguish as they await either a miracle—or a government breakthrough.

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Stay with News24Hours for verified updates on this developing story.