76-year-old Army major (rtd) was kidnapped from his residence in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu LGA of Kogi
By PETER OJOMA, Lokoja –
A heartbreaking incident has occurred in Kogi State, where a retired Army Major, Joe Ajayi, was killed by his abductors after his family paid a N10 million ransom.
The 76-year-old was kidnapped from his residence in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, on May 21.
According to reports, the kidnappers initially demanded N50 million, which the family couldn’t pay.
The retired major’s health deteriorated due to lack of medication, prompting the kidnappers to reduce the ransom to N10 million.
The family paid, hoping he would be released, but instead found his lifeless body.
The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the incident. SP Williams Ovye-Aya, the command’s spokesman, stated that the remains have been recovered and deposited at the Kabba Specialist Hospital mortuary.
The police have assured that they will leave no stone unturned in arresting those behind the act.
Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West Senatorial District, has condemned the killing, describing it as “a very unfortunate and sad development.”
He lamented the insecurity situation in the district, saying, “The whole of Kogi West is now under siege in the hands of kidnappers.”
