Tragedy in Ondo as Kidnappers Murder APC Chairman Despite Ransom Payment

 A wave of grief and outrage swept through Ondo State following the brutal killing of Alaba Excel Abbey, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman for Supare Ward 1 in Akoko South-West Local Government Area. The 38-year-old politician was abducted from his home on May 14, 2025, and found dead two days later, despite his family paying a ₦5 million ransom to secure his release. The incident has heightened fears over rising insecurity in the region, prompting calls for urgent government action to curb kidnapping and violent crime.

The abduction occurred around 8:30 p.m. when armed men stormed Abbey’s residence in Supare-Akoko, a rural community known for its agricultural activities. The assailants, numbering about six, arrived on motorcycles and fired shots into the air to intimidate residents before dragging Abbey into a waiting vehicle. His wife, who witnessed the ordeal, alerted neighbors, but the kidnappers had already fled into the surrounding bush. The family promptly reported the incident to the local police, who launched a search operation in collaboration with vigilantes and community hunters familiar with the terrain.

Within hours, the kidnappers contacted Abbey’s family, demanding ₦20 million for his release. After intense negotiations, the family, unable to raise the full amount, paid ₦5 million on May 15, using funds gathered from relatives and community contributions. The kidnappers assured the family that Abbey would be freed that evening, but he was not released. On May 16, a search party discovered his body in a forest near Owo, approximately 40 kilometers from Supare. Police reports confirmed that Abbey had been shot in the chest and head, with signs of torture, suggesting the kidnappers had no intention of releasing him alive.

Slain APC Chairman, Late Mr. Abbey

The murder sent shockwaves through Ondo’s political community, with APC leaders describing Abbey as a dedicated grassroots organizer who played a key role in mobilizing voters during the 2023 elections. A father of three, he was also a cocoa farmer and a respected figure in his church. His death sparked protests in Supare, where youths blocked major roads, demanding justice and improved security. The state police command deployed additional officers to the area to prevent reprisal attacks, while detectives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit were assigned to track the perpetrators. Preliminary investigations pointed to a criminal syndicate operating across Ondo and neighboring Edo State, known for targeting prominent individuals for ransom.

The state government condemned the killing, with the governor announcing a ₦10 million reward for information leading to the arrest of the culprits. Community leaders urged the federal government to establish a military base in Akoko to deter future attacks, citing the region’s vulnerability due to its proximity to dense forests used as hideouts by criminals. Abbey’s funeral, held on May 18, drew hundreds of mourners, including party chieftains and local officials, who vowed to honor his legacy by advocating for stronger anti-crime measures. The incident has reignited debates over Nigeria’s security challenges, with analysts warning that unchecked kidnapping could destabilize rural communities and undermine public trust in governance.