Pa Joe Ajayi, a retired army major

Richard Elesho

About three weeks after gunmen forcefully whisked him away from his residence in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, Kogi State, Pa Joe Ajayi, a retired army major and former official of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has reportedly died in the custody of his tormentors. His remains were found on Sunday, 8th May, after the payment of N10 million demanded as ransom by the gunmen.

The news of the death of the septuagenarian who was kidnapped on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, has created tension in Odo Ape and thrown the community into mourning.

It was gathered that the kidnapper’s original demand was N50 million, a condition the family could not meet. Their offer of N10 million was rejected despite the awareness that the 76-year-old victim was under medication for certain ailments, which his caretakers denied him.

However, when it became clear that the old man’s health was rapidly failing, the hoodlums called the family and pressured them to pay for the offer. Unknown that the victim had died, the family rallied round for the money.

“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 have been deposited at Kabba Specialist Hospital mortuary.

Kidnapping has become rampant in Kogi West of late. Oba David Ogunyanda, the paramount ruler of Okoloke, who was abducted from his palace last month, is among several victims of kidnapping yet to be rescued in the area.