The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of Mr. Nelson Adepoyigi, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and chairman of Ifon Ward 5 in Ose Local Government Area.
Adepoyigi was reportedly kidnapped on Monday evening around 6:30 p.m. by unidentified gunmen at the entrance to his farm along the Ifon-Owo Road—a route known for its isolated terrain and past incidents of violent attacks.
The police spokesperson, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, issued a statement Tuesday in Akure, saying the command had swiftly mobilised a joint security response team, comprising local hunters, operatives of the Nigeria Army, and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, to comb the area in search of the victim and apprehend the perpetrators.
“I can confirm to you that the chairman of APC Ward 5 was kidnapped at the entrance of his farm along Ifon-Owo Road,” Ayanlade said. “At the receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer, Ifon, in collaboration with hunters, VGN, and Nigerian Army personnel, launched a manhunt for the suspect(s).”
He urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, and to provide any information that could aid the ongoing rescue operation. “The cooperation of the public is essential in helping us secure the release of the victim and bring the assailants to justice,” he added.
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Sources in the community said Adepoyigi was heading to his farm, a routine trip, when armed men intercepted his vehicle. The kidnappers, according to eyewitnesses, fired sporadically into the air before seizing him and fleeing into the nearby forest.
This incident has sparked renewed fear among residents, particularly as the Ifon-Owo axis has witnessed similar attacks in recent years, including the high-profile killing of a traditional ruler in 2020. Locals are calling for improved security patrols and a more permanent security post in the area.
The Ondo State chapter of the APC has yet to issue an official statement, but party insiders described the incident as a “targeted political intimidation” and called for immediate intervention from both state and federal authorities.
Efforts to contact members of Adepoyigi’s family were unsuccessful as they are reportedly working with security agencies and unwilling to speak publicly at this time.
Police investigations continue, and no ransom demand has been made public as of press time.
The Guardian
