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Kidnapping remains one of Nigeria’s most persistent security challenges, affecting ordinary citizens and political leaders alike. Since 2023, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office, several leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) — from state chairmen to ward-level officials — have been abducted by gunmen across different regions of the country.
TJ News Nigeria reports that these incidents highlight the vulnerability of even high-ranking politicians to insecurity, while also underscoring the increasing sophistication of armed groups operating nationwide.
Recent Case in Kwara State
The most recent incident occurred in Patigi Local Government Area (LGA), Kwara State, where the wife and daughter of Alhaji Mohammed Swasun, the APC chairman for Patigi, were abducted.
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- Date: Sunday evening, September 7, 2025.
- Location: Sakpefu community, Lade district, Patigi LGA.
- Victims: Hajia Fatima (wife) and Amina (daughter) of the APC chairman.
Eyewitnesses said armed men stormed the community, fired gunshots, and whisked the victims away to an unknown location. Local police were notified, and party officials in the state confirmed the attack.
This case adds to a growing list of kidnappings targeting APC chairmen and party chieftains since 2023.
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APC Leaders Abducted or Killed Since 2023
1. Paul Omotosho (Ekiti State)
- Position: Former APC Chairman, Ekiti State.
- Incident: Kidnapped in July 2023 while driving at Agbado Ekiti, Gbonyin LGA.
- Aftermath: Suffered declining health following the abduction and later died on March 6, 2024.
2. Nelson Adepoyigi (Ondo State)
- Position: Chairman, APC Ose LGA, Ondo State.
- Incident: Abducted by armed men in May 2024.
- Outcome: Murdered by his captors despite efforts to secure his release.
- Confirmation: Announced by Clement Kolapo Ojo, Ose LGA APC chairman.
3. Matthew Egomo (Cross River State)
- Position: Chairman, APC Ikom LGA.
- Incident: Kidnapped with his son on the Ikom–Ogoja road in November 2023.
- Details: The abduction happened close to the Ikom council secretariat.
4. AbdulRauf Adeniji (National Secretariat, Abuja)
- Position: Director of Administration, APC National Secretariat.
- Incident: Kidnapped with his cousin, Akinropo Adesiyan, and Adesiyan’s wife, Esther, in January 2025 from their residence in Kubwa, Abuja.
- Outcome: Killed by his captors in March 2025.
- Impact: His death sent shockwaves across the ruling party.
5. Mohammed Swasun Family (Kwara State)
- Position: Chairman, APC Patigi LGA.
- Incident: On September 7, 2025, gunmen abducted his wife and daughter in Sakpefu community.
- Status: As at press time, police and community sources confirmed the abduction but details on ransom or release remain unclear.
Broader Implications
The kidnapping of APC leaders reflects wider security challenges across Nigeria. Analysts note:
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- Political leaders are increasingly targeted for ransom due to their perceived influence.
- These incidents weaken party structures at local and state levels, as leaders operate under constant fear.
- In some cases, abductions have led to death or health complications, disrupting political organisation.
Government’s Security Response
While security agencies often pledge quick responses, many families of kidnapped politicians are left to negotiate directly with abductors. The rising trend underlines:
- The urgent need for community policing.
- Strengthening of intelligence networks.
- More funding for state and federal security agencies.
President Tinubu’s administration has repeatedly promised to prioritise national security, but the continued attacks show that more work remains to be done.
Final Note
Since 2023, at least five APC leaders and their families have been victims of abductions across Nigeria. The cases of Paul Omotosho, Nelson Adepoyigi, Matthew Egomo, AbdulRauf Adeniji, and Mohammed Swasun’s family illustrate the reality that insecurity spares no one, not even members of the ruling party.
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Until security architecture is strengthened nationwide, political leaders — just like ordinary citizens — will remain vulnerable to the growing menace of kidnapping.
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