Retired Major Joe Ajayi has died in captivity after being kidnapped from his home in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, despite a N10 million ransom paid by his family. He was 80 years old.
The former Nigerian Army officer was abducted late at night on May 21, and his family spent weeks trying to secure his release. At first, the kidnappers demanded N50 million, but the family could not afford such a huge sum. As days passed, Major Ajayi’s health worsened in captivity due to lack of access to his medications.
Sources in the community say the family pleaded with the abductors to allow them to send his medicine, but the kidnappers allegedly demanded an additional payment for that, which the family could not manage. Eventually, when it became clear that Major Ajayi was too weak and unlikely to survive, the kidnappers reduced the ransom demand to N10 million.
Believing he was still alive, the family quickly paid the amount. However, after the payment, the kidnappers only directed them to a location where his lifeless body was found.
In a statement signed by Prof. Olu Obafemi and Dr. Ade Abanida, the Bunu Leaders Forum said: “It is with a broken heart and a heavy spirit that the Bunu Leaders Forum and the entire Bunu District, expressed deepest condolences to the family, community, military colleagues (that also joined to work round the challenge), friends 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 group noted that Major Ajayi served Nigeria bravely during the civil war and continued serving society as a pastor and mentor after retirement. They described him as a man of peace and wisdom, and someone who stood for integrity throughout his life.
“He lived for service, and he died in painful betrayal by a nation that failed to protect one of her finest sons,” the statement added.
