Retired Army Major Joe Ajayi dies in kidnappers’ den in Kogi despite ₦10 million ransom payment. Abduction highlights rising insecurity in the state

[dropcap]A[/dropcap] tragic chapter unfolded in Kogi State as retired Army Major Joe Ajayi, abducted from his home in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu LGA, died in captivity despite his family paying a ₦10 million ransom for his release.

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Major Ajayi, aged 76, was taken by gunmen at approximately 11:30pm on Wednesday, 21 May 2025. The attackers fired sporadically as they stormed his residence, sending shockwaves through the quiet community.

Initially, the kidnappers demanded a ₦50 million ransom, a sum far beyond the family’s reach. As negotiations dragged on, Ajayi’s health worsened due to lack of access to vital medication.

The abductors reportedly refused to allow medication to be delivered unless an extra fee was paid – a demand the family could not meet.

Eventually, the ransom was reduced to ₦10 million, but by then it was too late. A family source revealed that upon payment, they were directed to a location by the kidnappers, only to discover Major Ajayi’s lifeless body.

“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 local source said.

His body has since been deposited at the any in the recent surge of kidnappings across Kogi State. Earlier in May, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Oba of Okoloke in Yagba West LGA, was similarly kidnapped from his home and is still being held captive.

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, addressing citizens during Eid celebrations in Okene, urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that intensified security efforts were in progress.

“Our operations are already yielding results, and we will not rest until these criminal elements are eradicated from our state,” the governor stated.

Major Joe Ajayi was not only a retired military officer but also a respected community figure, having previously served as Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the Kabba/Bunu Chapter.