How a Retired Army Major Died in Kidnappers’ Den Despite ₦10m Ransom

Tragedy has struck in Kogi State as a retired Nigerian Army Major, Joe Ajayi, who was abducted from his residence in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, has been confirmed dead in the den of his kidnappers despite a ₦10 million ransom paid for his release.

Major Ajayi, 76, was kidnapped around 11:30pm on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, by heavily armed gunmen who invaded his home, firing sporadically and dragging him away. Initial ransom demands by the kidnappers stood at ₦50 million, but the delay in meeting this demand, coupled with the retired officer’s health condition, reportedly led to a rapid deterioration in his wellbeing while in captivity.

According to local sources, the kidnappers had insisted on an additional payment before allowing the delivery of essential medication needed by the diabetic and hypertensive victim — a cost the family couldn’t bear. When the criminals eventually realised Ajayi’s condition had worsened beyond recovery, they slashed the ransom to ₦10 million.

“Believing he was still alive, the family quickly raised the ₦10 million and paid,” a community source revealed. “But after receiving the money, the kidnappers only directed the family to the location of his corpse.”

Ajayi’s lifeless body was later found and taken to the mortuary of the Kabba Specialist Hospital.

The late officer was a respected figure in the community and once served as the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kabba/Bunu.

His death is the latest in a disturbing wave of kidnappings across Kogi State. Earlier in May, the Oba of Okoloke, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, was abducted from his home in Yagba West Local Government Area and remains in captivity.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, speaking at the Sallah celebration in Okene, called for calm among residents, assuring them that security agencies were making significant strides in flushing out criminal elements from the state.

Despite these assurances, rising insecurity and brutal kidnappings continue to haunt residents, sparking fears of a broader breakdown in rural safety across the region.