On May 21, 2025, retired Army Major Joe Ajayi, a 76-year-old respected community leader and former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kabba-Bunu chapter, was abducted from his home in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. The kidnapping occurred around 11:30 PM when armed gunmen stormed his residence, firing shots indiscriminately to instill fear before taking him to an undisclosed location. This incident, which shocked the local community, is part of a troubling wave of abductions in Kogi State, highlighting the escalating insecurity in the region.
The kidnappers initially demanded a staggering ₦50 million ransom for Ajayi’s release, a sum far beyond the financial capacity of his family. Ajayi, who suffered from health issues requiring regular medication, was deprived of his drugs during captivity, leading to a rapid deterioration of his condition. The family’s desperate attempts to negotiate with the kidnappers were met with further demands, including additional payments to provide Ajayi with his medications, which the family could not afford.
After prolonged negotiations, the kidnappers reduced their demand to ₦10 million, an amount the family managed to raise through significant effort. Believing this payment would secure Ajayi’s release, the family complied and was directed to a location to retrieve him. However, upon arrival, they were devastated to find only his lifeless body, which was subsequently taken to the Kabba Specialist Hospital mortuary.
The death of Major Ajayi has sent shockwaves through Odo-Ape and the wider Okunland region, where he was known for his service as a military officer and religious leader. Community members expressed outrage and grief, describing the retired major as a pillar of strength and a unifying figure in Kabba-Bunu. The Okun Development Association, a socio-cultural group, issued a statement condemning the rising tide of kidnappings and calling for urgent action from both state and federal authorities to address the security crisis.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another high-profile abduction in the same region. On May 6, 2025, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, a first-class traditional ruler and the Oba of Idofin Isanlu, was kidnapped while returning from a meeting in Lokoja. As of June 9, 2025, the monarch remains in captivity, with no clear updates on his status, further intensifying fears among residents about the safety of prominent figures in Kogi State.
The broader context of insecurity in Kogi State paints a grim picture. Kabba-Bunu and neighboring local government areas have witnessed a surge in kidnappings, armed robberies, and other violent crimes in recent months. Local sources report that criminal gangs often operate with impunity, taking advantage of porous security arrangements and difficult terrain to evade capture.
Governor Usman Ododo, during a recent public address in Okene, acknowledged the severity of the situation, assuring residents that his administration is working with security agencies to curb criminal activities. He emphasized ongoing efforts to deploy resources and personnel to hotspot areas, including Kabba-Bunu. However, the continued abductions and Ajayi’s tragic death have raised questions about the effectiveness of these measures.
Community leaders have called for a multi-pronged approach to tackle the crisis, including increased deployment of security forces, improved intelligence gathering, and community policing initiatives. The Okun Development Association has also urged the federal government to establish a military base in Okunland to deter criminal activities. Residents have expressed frustration over the lack of visible progress, with some organizing vigils and protests to demand justice for Ajayi and others affected by the insecurity.
The loss of Major Ajayi has also sparked discussions about the vulnerability of elderly and prominent individuals in rural areas. His military background and leadership in the Christian community made him a target, underscoring the audacity of criminal elements operating in the region. The fact that even a paid ransom could not secure his safe release has deepened distrust in the ability of authorities to protect citizens.
Nationally, Nigeria continues to grapple with widespread insecurity, with kidnapping for ransom becoming a lucrative enterprise for criminal gangs. Kogi State, strategically located in the North-Central region, has become a hotspot due to its proximity to major highways and forested areas that provide cover for criminals. The federal government’s efforts, including the establishment of special task forces, have yet to yield significant results in curbing these crimes.
As the community mourns, Ajayi’s family has appealed for privacy while calling for justice. They have urged authorities to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further tragedies. The retired major’s death has left a void in Kabba-Bunu, with many remembering him as a dedicated servant who contributed immensely to both the military and his local community.
The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the incident and stated that investigations are ongoing to track down the culprits. However, no arrests have been reported as of June 9, 2025, leaving residents anxious about the possibility of further attacks. The police have encouraged the public to provide any information that could aid their efforts, promising to protect the identities of informants.
