The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the death of Major Joe Ajayi (rtd), who was found dead days after his family paid a N10 million ransom to his abductors. The tragic news was confirmed on Monday in Lokoja by the state’s police spokesperson, Williams Ovye-Aya.
Ajayi, aged 76, was kidnapped from his residence in Odo-Ape, within Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, on May 21. Despite frantic efforts by his family, including negotiations and the eventual ransom payment, he did not make it out alive.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Bunu Leaders’ Forum revealed that the abductors initially demanded a staggering N50 million. However, the amount was later slashed to N10 million when it became clear that Ajayi’s health had significantly deteriorated due to lack of medical attention in captivity.
Forum chairman Prof. Olu Obafemi and secretary Dr. Ade Abanida expressed their heartbreak, saying the family believed Ajayi was still alive when they agreed to the reduced demand. After receiving the ransom, the kidnappers directed the family to a location—only for them to discover his lifeless body.
Police have since recovered the body and deposited it at Kabba Specialist Hospital mortuary. Ovye-Aya assured the public that a full investigation is underway, and that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
The shocking incident has sparked fresh concerns about the rising wave of kidnappings in Kogi State and the vulnerability of elderly citizens. Community leaders and residents are calling for urgent and decisive security action to stem the tide of violence.
