The body of a retired Army Major, Joe Ajayi, who was abducted from his residence in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, has been recovered weeks after his kidnapping—despite a ₦10 million ransom payment by his family.
Ajayi was kidnapped around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, when gunmen stormed his home, firing shots into the air before taking him away.
Sources revealed that the kidnappers initially demanded a ₦50 million ransom, but the delay in payment due to financial constraints reportedly led to a deterioration in Ajayi’s health, as he was denied access to his essential medication. Family members had pleaded to send his drugs but were told it would incur additional costs they couldn’t afford.
As Ajayi’s condition worsened in captivity, the abductors eventually reduced their demand to ₦10 million. Believing he was still alive, his family rushed to meet the revised demand.
Tragically, after the ransom was paid, the kidnappers directed the family to a location where they said Ajayi would be found. Instead, his lifeless body was discovered and has since been deposited at the Kabba Specialist Hospital mortuary.
This incident comes amid a growing wave of kidnappings in Kogi State. Earlier in May, a first-class traditional ruler, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Oba of Okoloke in Yagba West LGA, was also abducted from his home. He remains in captivity.
Speaking during Eid celebrations in Okene, Governor Usman Ododo addressed the rising insecurity and urged residents to remain calm. He assured the public that ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat criminal activity in the state are beginning to show results.
