“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 source said.
A retired Nigerian Army Major, Joe Ajayi, who was kidnapped from his residence in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu LGA of Kogi State on May 21, 2025, has died in captivity despite a ransom payment of ₦10 million.
Ajayi was abducted at around 11:30 p.m. by gunmen who reportedly shot indiscriminately during the raid.
Sources revealed the kidnappers initially demanded ₦50 million, but negotiations dragged on due to the family’s inability to pay.
His health deteriorated as he was denied access to vital medication, and efforts to send it attracted additional demands.
“When the kidnappers realized he wouldn’t survive, they slashed the ransom to ₦10 million. But after payment, his lifeless body was found at the directed location,” a local source told PUNCH Metro.
His body has been deposited at Kabba Specialist Hospital Mortuary.
Efforts to reach police spokesperson William Aya and Commissioner Miller Dantawaye were unsuccessful.
Kidnapping remains rampant in Kogi, with a first-class monarch also abducted last month and still missing.