Terrorists kill Yoruba rtd Army Major in Kogi
By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
A retired Major in the Nigerian Army, Joe Ajayi, who was kidnapped from his residence in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, has died in captivity despite a ransom payment of N10m. Major Ajayi was abducted on May 21, 2025, by gunmen who stormed his home around 11:30 pm.
According to sources, the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N50m, which the family could not pay. As a result, Major Ajayi’s health deteriorated due to lack of access to medication. The kidnappers reportedly demanded an additional payment for his medication, which the family could not meet.
A source in the community revealed that the kidnappers later reduced the ransom to N10m, which the family paid, believing Major Ajayi was still alive. However, upon payment, the kidnappers directed the family to where they would find him, only to discover his lifeless body.
The source said, “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.”
Major Ajayi’s remains have been deposited at the Kabba Specialist Hospital Mortuary. This incident highlights the growing concern of kidnapping in Kogi State, where another prominent figure, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Oba Okoloke in Yagba West Local Government Area, remains in captivity since early May.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, had recently appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring that efforts to rid the state of criminal elements were yielding positive results. The incident has raised concerns about the effectiveness of security measures in the state.
