Army Major dies in kidnapper’s den after N10m ransom in Kogi

Retired Major Joe Ajayi, who was kidnapped at his residence in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu local government area of Kogi State, a few weeks ago, has died in the kidnappers’ den despite payment of a N10 million ransom for his release.

The army major was kidnapped on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from his residence around 11:30 pm by gunmen who shot sporadically.

It was gathered that the initial demand of N50 million ransom by his abductors lingered for long when the family could not pay; this resulted in his health deteriorating as he had no means of getting his medication.

The kidnappers informed the family that their plea for his medication to be forwarded to him will come at an extra cost, which the family could not meet.

However, as soon as the abductors discovered that Ajayi could not survive his ordeal, they reduced the ransom to ₦10 million.

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 have been deposited at the morgue of the Kabba Specialist Hospital.

Kidnapping has risen 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.

Oba Ogunyanda has not been released by his abductors.

However, Governor Usman Ododo, while speaking at the Eid ground during the Sallah in Okene, appealed to residents of the state to remain calm, assuring them that efforts to rid the state of criminal elements were already yielding positive results.