Retired Army Major Joe Ajayi, abducted from his Odo-Ape home in Kabba-Bunu, Kogi State, has tragically died in his captors' den, despite his family paying a N10 million ransom for his release. Gunmen had seized Major Ajayi from his residence on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, around 11:30 PM, after firing shots into the air.
Initially, the kidnappers demanded N50 million, a sum the family struggled to raise. This delay severely impacted Major Ajayi's health, as he was unable to access his much-needed medication. The abductors even demanded an additional fee for his medication, which the family couldn't afford. It was only when the kidnappers realized Major Ajayi's condition was critical and he might not survive that they lowered the ransom to N10 million.
A community source revealed that Major Ajayi's family, holding onto hope that he was still alive, quickly gathered the N10 million. However, their hope turned to despair when, after the ransom was paid, the kidnappers directed them to a location where they found only his lifeless body. Major Ajayi's remains have since been taken to the morgue at Kabba Specialist Hospital.
