Retired Army Major Joe Ajayi, 76, who was kidnapped from his residence in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu local government area of Kogi State on May 21, 2025, has died in captivity despite a ₦10 million ransom paid by his family. Ajayi was abducted around 11:30pm by gunmen who fired sporadically during the attack.
Initially, the kidnappers demanded ₦50 million, but the family could not meet this, resulting in Ajayi’s health deteriorating as he was unable to access medication. The kidnappers then demanded additional payment to allow medication delivery, which the family could not afford.
A source revealed that once the kidnappers realized Ajayi could not survive, they reduced the ransom to ₦10 million. “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.” His remains are now at Kabba Specialist Hospital mortuary.
Kidnapping in Kogi State has surged recently, with other high-profile victims still held captive. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has urged calm, assuring residents that efforts to combat crime are ongoing.