Kidnapped Retired Army Major Dies Despite ₦10m Ransom Payment

A retired Army officer, Major Joe Ajayi, who was abducted from his home in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, has died in captivity—despite his family paying a ₦10 million ransom.

Major Ajayi was kidnapped late at night on May 21, 2025, after gunmen stormed his residence around 11:30 p.m., firing indiscriminately before whisking him away.

A source close to the family disclosed that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦50 million but later slashed the amount when the family couldn’t raise it. Compounding the situation, the retired officer—who suffered from a chronic illness—was denied access to his medication.

“At some point, the kidnappers said he could get his drugs, but only if we paid extra,” the source said. “We couldn’t meet that demand. Then, when his condition worsened, they dropped the ransom to ₦10 million.”

Believing he was still alive, the family scrambled to pay the reduced ransom. But after the payment, they were directed to a location where they tragically found his lifeless body.

His remains have since been deposited at Kabba Specialist Hospital morgue.