Kogi retired Major killed in captivity after family paid N10 million ransom. Police promise justice as community mourns fallen veteran.
Tragedy in Kogi: Retired Major Killed After Ransom Payment
A dark cloud has settled over the community of Odo-Ape in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State,
following the heartbreaking murder of retired Army Major Joe Ajayi, who was abducted from his home on May 21st, 2025.
After a tense period of negotiations and the eventual payment of a ₦10 million ransom, Ajayi was tragically found dead.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the state, underscoring the worsening security crisis plaguing Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.
This article offers a comprehensive report on the situation, delves into community reactions, and explores the broader implications of abduction-for-ransom in Nigeria.
How the Abduction Unfolded
According to multiple sources, including a statement from SP Williams Ovye-Aya, spokesperson for the Kogi State Police Command,
the 76-year-old Major Ajayi was kidnapped from his private residence in Odo-Ape by unknown gunmen.
It was reported that the kidnappers broke into his home in the dead of night and whisked him away without immediate trace.
Initial ransom demands were set at ₦50 million, a sum the family struggled to raise.
Sadly, in the time it took for negotiations to continue, Ajayi’s health deteriorated, likely due to harsh conditions and lack of access to necessary medication.
Eventually, the ransom was reduced to ₦10 million, which the family managed to pay hoping it would guarantee his safe return.
But that hope was brutally dashed.
Ransom Paid, But No Mercy
After receiving the ransom, the kidnappers directed the family to a remote location where they claimed Ajayi had been released.
But instead of a reunion, the family found his lifeless body.
The Bunu Leaders Forum, a socio-cultural group in the area, confirmed the recovery of the body and expressed grave disappointment over the tragic outcome.
The group’s leaders Prof. Olu Obafemi and Dr. Ade Abanida explained that despite the ransom payment,
the abductors showed no mercy, leaving the family in deep mourning and the entire community in shock.
Community in Mourning
Retired Major Ajayi was well-respected in his community.
His military service was lauded, and he was known to be a man of peace, actively participating in local affairs even in retirement.
“We never imagined something like this could happen to him,” said a local chief, who described the late Major as a “pillar of honor.”
The community of Odo-Ape has since gone into mourning, with residents gathering in small groups to discuss the tragedy and demand immediate justice.
Flags were flown at half-mast at community centers, and churches have begun offering prayers for the fallen veteran.
Police Response: “No Stone Will Be Left Unturned”
In an official statement, SP Ovye-Aya assured the public that the police are fully engaged in investigating the case.
According to him, “We are working tirelessly to identify, track, and apprehend every individual involved in this heinous act.
No stone will be left unturned.”
He confirmed that Major Ajayi’s body had been deposited at the Kabba Specialist Hospital mortuary,
where an autopsy is expected to be performed as part of the investigation.
The police have also appealed to the public to provide any useful information that could assist in the arrest of the perpetrators.
Patrols have reportedly increased in Kabba-Bunu and surrounding areas.
Senator Raises Alarm: “Kogi West Under Siege”
Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West Senatorial District, has described the incident as a “very unfortunate and sad development.”
In a press release from Lokoja, the Senator criticized the worsening security situation in the district and called for urgent action by federal authorities.
“The whole of Kogi West is now under siege,” Karimi declared. “People are afraid to leave their homes. We cannot continue like this.”
His statement has further intensified calls from community leaders for military intervention and improved security presence in the region.
The Rise of Kidnapping in Nigeria: A Growing Crisis
The killing of Major Ajayi adds to the rising number of abductions-for-ransom in Nigeria.
Analysts believe the country is facing a national security emergency, especially in the Middle Belt and Northwestern zones,
where armed groups often operate with impunity.
According to SBM Intelligence, over 3,000 abduction cases were reported nationwide in 2024 alone,
with victims ranging from schoolchildren to clergy, politicians, and now, retired military personnel.
This incident raises a pressing question: If a retired army officer can be abducted and killed despite ransom payment, who is safe?
Public Reactions: Fear, Outrage, and Disbelief
The story of the “Kogi retired Major killed” has gone viral across Nigerian social media platforms.
Hashtags like #JusticeForMajorAjayi, #SecureKogiNow, and #StopTheKillings are trending on X (formerly Twitter).
A tweet by human rights activist @NaijaWatchdog read:
“If even our veterans aren’t safe in their retirement, what hope do ordinary citizens have? Rest in peace Major Ajayi. Nigeria failed you.”
Civic groups like the Coalition Against Insecurity in Nigeria (CAIN) have also issued statements condemning the act and demanding accountability.
Calls for Policy Reform and Better Veteran Protection
In the wake of this tragedy, several military veterans and civil society groups are calling for reforms to ensure retired military officers receive better security and welfare protections.
There are now increasing calls for:
A National Veterans Safety Network
A federal emergency security trust fund for rural areas
Faster response from intelligence services when ex-servicemen are targeted
Security experts have urged the Nigerian government to classify attacks on military retirees as national threats,
given their strategic knowledge and the risk of demoralizing active service members.
Read Also :
- Delta State Kidnapping Crisis: Monarchs and Vigilantes Accused.
- General Tsiga abduction: A Wake-Up Call for Nigeria’s Security
In Memory of a Brave Serviceman
As the family of Major Ajayi begins funeral arrangements,
many are choosing to remember the late officer not as a victim, but as a symbol of service and sacrifice.
“He gave the best years of his life to this country,” said one of his cousins.
“It’s a tragedy that the nation couldn’t protect him when he needed it the most.”
What Comes Next: A Nation at Crossroads
The Kogi retired Major killed incident is more than a personal tragedy it is a national warning sign.
If urgent action is not taken, the cycle of abduction, ransom, and murder may only deepen, further eroding public trust in the state’s ability to protect its citizens.
As investigations continue, Nigerians are watching closely.
Justice must not only be served for Major Ajayi’s family but must also serve as a deterrent to those who profit from human misery.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Our Protectors
Major Joe Ajayi’s death should not fade into the background of daily news.
It is a harsh reminder that insecurity in Nigeria is no longer selective it affects all classes, professions, and age groups.
To truly honor his service, both state and federal governments must act not with words, but with policies, enforcement, and reform.
If you have any information regarding this incident, contact the Kogi State Police Command or your nearest law enforcement agency.
You can remain anonymous.
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