The police in Ondo State say they are not aware of ransom negotiations for the release of kidnapped All Progressives Congress (APC) ward chairman, Nelson Adepoyigi, who was abducted on Monday at the entrance of his farm along Ifon-Owo Road.
Adepoyigi, who chairs Ward 5 in Ose Local Government Area, was kidnapped by unknown gunmen while trying to enter his farm.
Speaking on Thursday, the state police spokesperson, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, said the police had no knowledge of any ransom discussions or further abductions related to the case.
Ayanlade said, “I don’t have any update about who was kidnapped again when they wanted to pay ransom. And I don’t know if there’s any attempt at ransom negotiation. All I know is that our men have been combing the bushes and doing all they can to rescue the victim.”
However, a family member who did not want to be named said that two people, Bayode Loco and Isimeri, who took a N5 million ransom and food items to the kidnappers were also kidnapped.
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According to the source, the abductors had initially demanded N100 million but later agreed to accept N5 million and food.
“Now they have changed their mind again and are asking for another N30 million before they release Adepoyigi and the two men who brought the ransom,” the family member said.
Chairman of Ose Local Government, Kolapo Ojo, confirmed the earlier negotiations.
He said, “We were told the ransom was reduced to N5 million and food items. But now the situation is more complicated.”
Mr. Ojo appealed for calm and assured residents that security agencies are working hard to secure the release of all victims.