Kidnappers have reportedly killed a retired Army Major, Joe Ajayi, after collecting a ₦10 million ransom.
The gunmen abducted the 76-year-old cleric, Pastor Joe Ajayi, from his residence in Odo-Ape, located in the Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kabba-Bunu chapter, who is also a retired Major of the Nigerian Army, was abducted by unidentified gunmen.
This development occurred even as the Okun Development Association expressed worry over insecurity in Okunland.
According to local sources, the assailants stormed the community, firing sporadic gunshots for over an hour before forcibly taking the retired officer to an unknown location.
According to Vanguard Newspaper, an initial demand of ₦50 million ransom by the abductors was not met, and his health deteriorated as he had no access to his medications.
However, as soon as the abductors discovered that Ajayi couldn’t survive, they reduced the ransom to ₦10 million.
Quoting a source in the community, Vanguard noted that the family of Ajayi paid ₦10 million to the kidnappers, thinking that the retired major 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’s) lifeless body,” the source said.
It was noted that the retired army officer’s remains have been deposited at Kabba Specialist Hospital mortuary.
When contacted the Kogi State Police Command Public Relations Officer, William Aya, he said, “I am not aware of this development. However, I will find out about it.”
