Kogi State, Nigeria – A retired Major in the Nigerian Army, Joe Ajayi, has reportedly died in the custody of his abductors in Kogi State, despite a ransom payment of N10 million (approximately $6,700 USD). Major Ajayi was kidnapped from his residence in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, a few weeks ago.
Major Ajayi was abducted on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, around 11:30 PM, when gunmen stormed his home, firing shots.
Sources indicate that the kidnappers initially demanded N50 million (approximately $33,500 USD), a sum the family was unable to raise. This reportedly led to a deterioration of Major Ajayi’s health, as he was unable to access his medication. The abductors are said to have demanded an additional fee for medication to be delivered, a request the family could not meet.
Upon realising Major Ajayi’s declining condition, the kidnappers reportedly reduced their ransom demand to N10 million. A community source stated that the Ajayi family, believing he was still alive, promptly paid the reduced sum for his release.
“Once the ransom was paid, the kidnappers directed the family to where they would find him, only for them to meet his lifeless body,” the source told local media.
Major Ajayi’s remains have since been deposited at the Kabba Specialist Hospital Mortuary.
Attempts to obtain a comment from the Kogi State police command were unsuccessful, with both the Public Relations Officer and the state Commissioner of Police reportedly unavailable for comment.
This incident comes amidst a surge in kidnappings across Kogi State. Governor Ahmed Ododo, speaking at the Eid ground in Okene during the last Sallah celebrations, had appealed for calm, assuring residents that efforts to combat criminal elements were yielding positive results. However, the abduction of prominent figures, including a first-class monarch, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Oba Okoloke in Yagba West Local Government Area, in early May, underscores the persistent security challenges in the region. Oba Ogunyanda remains in captivity.
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