The Ondo State Police Command has said it is not part of any talks involving ransom payment for the release of Nelson Adepoyigi, a local leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who was kidnapped earlier this week.
Adepoyigi, who is the chairman of Ward 5 in Ose Local Government Area, was taken on Monday evening while trying to enter his farm along the Ifon-Owo road. Reports say the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N100 million before reducing it to N5 million along with food supplies.
Two men, Bayode Loco and Isimeri, reportedly volunteered to deliver the ransom and the items. However, the kidnappers allegedly seized them as well and have now made a fresh demand of N30 million to free all three individuals.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Olushola Ayanlade, said on Thursday that the police were not involved in any such negotiations. He explained that officers are currently searching the surrounding areas and working to rescue the victim but were not informed of any ransom arrangements or additional abductions.
A family source, who chose to remain unnamed, confirmed that the two volunteers who went to deliver the agreed ransom are now being held by the abductors. According to the source, this new development has added more pressure to the already difficult situation, as the kidnappers now demand more money.
The chairman of Ose Local Government, Kolapo Ojo, acknowledged that a ransom had earlier been agreed upon but said the change in the situation is worrying.
He urged the community to stay calm while security efforts are ongoing.
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