Retired Army Major dies in kidnapper’s custody despite N10m ransom

A somber atmosphere hangs over Odo-Ape community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, Kogi State, following the tragic death of retired Army Major Joe Ajayi, who was abducted from his home and later died in captivity, despite the payment of a ₦10 million ransom by his family.

The horrifying incident occurred on the night of Wednesday, May 21, 2025, when gunmen stormed Major Ajayi’s residence around 11:30 p.m., firing multiple shots into the air and throwing the neighborhood into chaos before forcibly abducting the retired officer.

According to eyewitnesses, the heavily armed assailants operated with precision and instilled fear among locals, who could do little to resist the violent invasion.

Sources close to the family revealed that the kidnappers initially demanded a hefty ransom of ₦50 million. However, due to financial constraints, the family was unable to meet the demand in time. After weeks of negotiation and emotional turmoil, the family managed to raise ₦10 million, which was eventually paid in hopes of securing Major Ajayi’s release.

It was gathered that the kidnappers informed the family that their plea for his medication to be forwarded to him will come at an extra cost, a concession that couldn’t be met by the family.

However, as soon as the abductors discovered that Ajayi couldn’t survive, they reduced the ransom to ₦10 million naira.

A source in the community said that the Ajayi family, believing he was still alive, quickly agreed to pay the ten million naira for his rescue.

“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.”

The retired army officer’s remains has been deposited at Kabba Specialist Hospital mortuary.

Kidnapping has surged in the state for a while now, with the abduction of a first-class monarch, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Oba Okoloke in Yagba West Local Government Area, who was in the same way abducted from his home in early May. He’s yet to be released either.

However, the governor of the state, Ahmed Usman Ododo, speaking at the Eid ground last Sallah in Okene, appealed to residents to remain calm, as efforts to rid the criminal elements out of the state are already yielding positive interest.

Retired Joe Ajayi, 76, was once the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Kabba/Bunu Chapter.

(Vanguard)