Major Joe Ajayi (rtd), who was whisked away by kidnappers at his residence in Odo-Ape in Kabba-Bunu local government area of Kogi State on May 21, 2025, around 11:30 pm, has died after collecting N10 million ransom for his release.
The abductors were initially said to have demanded N50 million ransom when the family could not pay, and later reduced to N10 million due to his deteriorating health condition, as he had no means of getting his medication.
It was further learnt that as soon as the abductors discovered that Ajayi could not survive his ordeal, they reduced the ransom to N10 million.
According to a source in the community, Ajayi’s family believed he was still alive and 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,” he said.
The remains of retired army officers have been deposited at the morgue of the Kabba Specialist Hospital.
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