Tragedy struck in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, as retired Army Major Joe Ajayi, who was abducted from his home on Wednesday night, May 21, 2025, died in captivity despite a ₦10 million ransom paid for his release.
Major Ajayi was taken by gunmen who invaded his residence, firing sporadically before whisking him away. Initially, the kidnappers demanded a ransom of ₦50 million. However, the prolonged negotiation due to the family’s inability to meet the demand, reportedly led to a serious decline in the retired officer’s health, as he had no access to his medication.
Efforts by the family to send him his vital drugs were reportedly blocked by the kidnappers, who demanded additional payments for such a concession, another cost the family could not bear.
As Ajayi’s condition worsened, the abductors were said to have lowered the ransom to ₦10 million. Believing he was still alive, the family agreed and quickly paid the reduced sum.
“Once the ransom was paid, the kidnappers directed the family to where they would find him, only for them to meet his (Ajayi’s) lifeless body,” a community source revealed.
His remains have since been deposited at the Kabba Specialist Hospital mortuary.
This incident adds to the growing wave of abductions in Kogi State. Earlier in May, a first-class traditional ruler, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Oba of Okoloke in Yagba West Local Government Area, was similarly kidnapped from his home. He remains in captivity.
Responding to the rising insecurity, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, while addressing worshippers during Eid celebrations in Okene, urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks in the state are beginning to yield results.
Major Joe Ajayi, aged 76, was also known for his service beyond the military, having served as Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kabba/Bunu Chapter.
