Customs intercepts 1,682 wraps of cannabis concealed inside corpse

A retired Nigerian Army Major, Joe Ajayi, has tragically died in a kidnappers' den in Kogi State despite a N10 million ransom reportedly paid for his release. 

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The disturbing incident has reignited fears over the rising wave of insecurity and the ineffectiveness of ransom negotiations in Nigeria’s middle-belt region.

According to a report by PUNCH Metro, Major Ajayi was abducted on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from his residence in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area. 

The gunmen, who stormed his home around 11:30 PM, initially demanded N50 million for his release. However, his health rapidly declined in captivity, especially after being denied access to critical medication.

A source in the community told PUNCH Metro that the kidnappers informed the family that delivering medication would come at an extra cost—an expense the family could not meet. 

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Fearing for his life, the abductors later reduced the ransom to N10 million. Believing Ajayi was still alive, his family quickly paid the sum.

But what followed was a horrifying discovery. “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 revealed.

The late Major’s corpse has since been deposited at the Kabba Specialist Hospital Mortuary. As of the time of this report, attempts to reach the Kogi State Police Command spokesperson, William Aya, and Commissioner Miller Dantawaye proved unsuccessful.

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This incident follows a growing trend of kidnappings across Kogi. In early May, a traditional ruler, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda (the Oba of Okoloke), was abducted in a similar manner and remains missing.

Governor Ahmed Ododo recently called on residents to remain calm during Eid celebrations, promising intensified efforts to eliminate criminal elements from the state. However, cases like Major Ajayi's continue to raise concerns about the effectiveness of security operations in the region.

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