They paid N10M ransom, but he never came home: Sad tale of retired Army Major

By Stephen Adeleye

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the tragic death of 76-year-old retired Army Major, Joe Ajayi, who was found dead in the den of his abductors after his family paid a ₦10 million ransom.

Police spokesperson SP Williams Ovye-Aya disclosed on Monday in Lokoja that the late Ajayi, abducted from his Odo-Ape residence in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area on May 21, died in captivity despite the ransom settlement.

The remains of Ajayi have since been recovered and deposited at the Kabba Specialist Hospital mortuary.

The Bunu Leaders Forum, represented by Prof. Olu Obafemi and Dr. Ade Abanida, also confirmed the heartbreaking development.

According to them, the kidnappers had initially demanded ₦50 million but later reduced their demand to ₦10 million after the victim’s health worsened due to the absence of medication.

“Believing he was still alive, the family rushed to pay the ₦10 million ransom,” the statement read. “But instead of a reunion, they were directed to a location where they discovered his lifeless body.”

The Police Command has vowed to pursue the culprits behind the “dastardly act” and ensure justice is served.

Meanwhile, Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West Senatorial District, condemned the killing and expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity in the region.

“Kogi West is under siege,” Karimi said.

“People no longer feel safe leaving their homes. This is a deeply troubling situation that demands urgent and decisive action.”