Retired Major Joe Ajayi, aged 80, who was abducted from his residence in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, has died in captivity despite the payment of ₦10 million in ransom by his family.
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Ajayi was kidnapped on May 21 at about 11:30 p.m. from his hometown. Initially, the abductors demanded ₦50 million, but the family was unable to meet the demand, during which time the retired officer’s health deteriorated due to lack of access to medication.
Sources revealed that the kidnappers rejected pleas to send his medication unless additional payment was made — a concession the family could not afford. Upon realising that Major Ajayi’s condition had worsened, the ransom demand was reduced to ₦10 million.
Believing he was still alive, the family paid the ransom. However, they were directed to a location where they tragically found his lifeless body. His remains have since been deposited at the Kabba Specialist Hospital mortuary.
The incident has sparked outrage across the state, particularly in Kabba-Bunu, which has witnessed a surge in criminal activities. It also comes amid ongoing concerns over the unresolved abduction of Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Oba of Okoloke, who has remained in captivity since early May.
In a strongly worded statement, the Bunu Leaders Forum, led by Prof. Olu Obafemi and Dr. Ade Abanida, condemned the tragic death, placing responsibility on Nigerian leaders for failing to protect citizens.
“It is with a broken heart and a heavy spirit that the Bunu Leaders Forum and the entire Bunu District express our deepest condolences to the family, community, military colleagues, and well-wishers of our revered elder, Major Joe Ajayi (retd), whose life was wickedly and unjustly cut short in the most horrific and inhumane manner,” the statement read.
The Forum described Ajayi as a war veteran, a pastor, mentor, and community pillar who dedicated his life to service and peace. “He lived for service and died in painful betrayal by a nation that failed to protect one of her finest sons,” they added.
Meanwhile, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, during his Sallah address in Okene, appealed for calm, assuring residents that the government is intensifying efforts to root out criminal elements from the state.
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