Ex-Army Major dies in kidnappers’ den after N10m ransom payment

Retired Army Major,  Joe Ajayi who was abducted from his residence in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, a few weeks ago, has died in the kidnappers’ den, despite a payment of N10 million ransom for his release.

Meanwhile, Bunu Leaders Forum said the gruesome manner the retired army major died was on the conscience of Nigerian leaders, who have neglected their duties to the nation’s call. It lamented that Nigeria failed him.

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The 80 year old Major Ajayi was abducted on May 21 at his hometown of Odo-Ape in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State at about 11:30 p.m.

It was gathered that the kidnappers’ first demand of N50 million ransom persisted for a long time after the family was unable to pay, which caused Army major’s health to deteriorate because he was unable to get his medication.

According to information obtained, the kidnappers told the family that they would have to pay more to have the army major’s medication sent to him, a compromise that the family was unable to accept.

However, the abductors lowered the demand to N10 million as soon as they realised Ajayi couldn’t live.

According to a community source, Ajayi’s family quickly agreed to pay the N10 million for his rescue because they thought he was still alive.

“Once the ransom was paid, the kidnappers directed the family to where they would find him, only for them to meet his (Ajayi) lifeless body.”

Reacting to the incident, The Bunu Leaders Forum in a statement by Prof. Olu Obafemi and Dr. Ade Abanida, chairman and secretary respectively, noted that the country failed the major, saying: “It is with a broken heart and a heavy spirit that the Bunu Leaders Forum and the entire Bunu District, expressed deepest condolences to the family, community, military colleagues (that also joined to work round the challenge), friends and well-wishers of our revered elder, Major Joe Ajayi (retd), whose life was wickedly and unjustly cut short in the most horrific and inhumane manner.“Major Ajayi was not just a retired officer of the Nigerian Army, he was a gallant war veteran who fought bravely to keep Nigeria united during the civil war. After his military service, he answered a higher call as a servant of God, pastoring, mentoring, building lives, and offering comfort to many across our land.

“He was a pillar of wisdom and stability in Bunu land and an unwavering voice of integrity and peace. He was a staunch believer and strong member of the BDA, and of the Advisory Committee of the Bunu Leaders Forum.

Following this,, Governor Ahmed Ododo of the state, speaking at the Eid ground in Okene appealed to residents to remain calm as efforts to rid the criminal elements out of the state were already yielding positive results.

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