“He lived for service, and he died in painful betrayal by a nation that failed to protect one of her finest sons.”
Retired Major Joe Ajayi, 80, has died in kidnappers’ custody in Kogi State despite his family paying a N10 million ransom for his release, sparking outrage over Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.
The octogenarian, abducted on May 21 in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu LGA, reportedly succumbed to health complications after being denied medication. Kidnappers initially demanded N50m but slashed it to N10m upon realizing his deteriorating condition. Family members discovered his corpse at a designated pickup location after payment. “They met his lifeless body,” a community source revealed.
The Bunu Leaders Forum blamed negligent leadership for the tragedy, stating “Nigeria failed him.” The group condemned the extra charges imposed for delivering medication, which the family couldn’t afford. The incident highlights the deadly toll of ransom economics amid rampant kidnappings nationwide.