Retired Army Major Dies in Kidnappers’ Den Despite ₦10 Million Ransom Payment

A retired Army Major, Joe Ajayi, who was abducted from his residence in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, has died in captivity despite his family paying a ₦10 million ransom for his release.

Ajayi was kidnapped on the night of Wednesday, May 21, 2025, around 11:30 pm, when gunmen stormed his residence, firing shots to instill fear before seizing him. The abductors initially demanded ₦50 million for his release, a sum the family could not raise immediately. During the prolonged negotiations, Ajayi’s health deteriorated severely due to the lack of access to his regular medication.

Sources close to the family revealed that attempts to send his medication to him were blocked by the kidnappers, who insisted it would require an additional payment. As Ajayi’s condition worsened, the abductors reportedly slashed their ransom demand to ₦10 million, a move that gave the family hope he was still alive.

Believing he would be released upon payment, the family raised the ₦10 million and complied with the kidnappers’ instructions. However, after the ransom was delivered, the family was directed to a location where they discovered Ajayi’s lifeless body. His remains have since been deposited at the Kabba Specialist Hospital mortuary.

This tragic incident comes amid a spike in kidnapping cases across Kogi State. Just weeks earlier, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the traditional ruler of Okoloke in Yagba West Local Government Area, was similarly abducted from his palace. He remains in captivity.

In response to the rising insecurity, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, during his Sallah address at the Eid ground in Okene, urged residents to remain calm. He assured the public that efforts to eliminate criminal elements from the state are already yielding positive results.