A 76-year-old retired Major of the Nigerian Army, Pastor Joe Ajayi, has been kidnapped by unidentified gunmen from his home in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. The abduction took place around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22.
Ajayi, who is also a former chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kabba-Bunu, was taken after armed men stormed the area and fired gunshots into the air for over an hour before dragging him to an unknown location.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as terrifying. “The gunshots lasted so long that everyone was afraid to come out. By the time it stopped, the retired Major was gone,” a community member said.
The incident has raised serious concern among residents, especially considering Ajayi’s fragile health condition due to his age. Locals fear that his life may be at risk if urgent steps are not taken to rescue him.
The abduction has intensified the atmosphere of fear in the area and renewed calls for better security in the Okun region of Kogi State. The Okun Development Association (ODA), a major community body, had just recently warned about the rising cases of insecurity across Okunland. They had particularly drawn attention to the kidnapping of a traditional ruler in Okoloke, Yagba West LGA, and urged both federal and state authorities to act fast.
This latest incident has only strengthened those concerns. Community members say the region has suffered repeated security breaches in recent months. Earlier this year, a local council member was kidnapped from his home, and not long after, three adults and a child were taken from a nearby farm.
“This is becoming a pattern. People no longer sleep with both eyes closed. We need urgent help from the government and security agencies,” one local leader said.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies have not released an official statement regarding Ajayi’s abduction. Meanwhile, efforts are reportedly underway by local vigilantes and the police to track down the kidnappers and secure the victim’s release.
