- Safiu Kehinde
A retired Army Major, Joe Ajayi, has died in kidnappers’ den after payment of N10 million ransom for his rescue.
Major Ajayi was abducted at his residence in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu local government area of Kogi State on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 by unknown gunmen.
According to reports, his abductors made initial demands of N50 million ransom which could not be met by his family.
The delay in the negotiation resulted to his health deteriorating, as he had no means to get his medication.
While his family had pleaded with his abductors for his medication to be forwarded to him, the gang reportedly told them it will come at an extra cost, which could also be met by the family.
With the health of the 76-yeat-old retired Major deteriorating, the abductors eventually reduced the ransom to N10 million naira.
According to the Vanguard,.source in the community said that the Ajayi family, believing he was still alive, quickly agreed to pay the ten million naira for his rescue.
“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.”
The retired army officer’s remains has been deposited at Kabba Specialist Hospital mortuary.