On May 22, 2025, the quiet community of Odo-Ape in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria, was thrust into a state of fear and uncertainty. In the early hours of the morning, around 1 a.m., a group of armed gunmen stormed the home of 76-year-old retired military officer Major Josiah Ajayi, abducting him and leaving the community grappling with shock and questions about Nigeria’s escalating security challenges. This incident is a stark reminder of the growing menace of kidnappings across the country and the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address this crisis.
The Incident: A Night of Terror in Odo-Ape
According to reports, the gunmen arrived at Major Ajayi’s residence under the cover of darkness, employing a tactic that has become all too familiar in Nigeria’s kidnapping epidemic: intimidation through firepower. The assailants fired gunshots into the air, creating panic and ensuring that residents were too frightened to intervene. The retired major, a man who had dedicated years of his life to serving his country, was forcibly taken from his home after the gunmen ransacked the property in search of valuables. The attackers then fled with their victim to an unknown destination, leaving behind a traumatized household and a community on edge.
As of the time of the report, no ransom demands had been made public, and the Kogi State Police Command had not issued an official statement. However, sources confirmed that investigations were underway to locate the retired officer and bring the perpetrators to justice. The lack of immediate communication from the authorities has only deepened the anxiety of Major Ajayi’s family and neighbors, who are left wondering about his safety and the likelihood of his safe return.
A Growing Crisis: Kidnapping in Nigeria
The abduction of Major Josiah Ajayi is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing trend that has seen Nigeria become one of the world’s kidnapping hotspots. According to a 2024 report by SBM Intelligence, a Lagos-based security consultancy, approximately 3,400 kidnappings were recorded in Nigeria between May 2023 and May 2024. This staggering figure underscores the scale of the problem, which affects individuals from all walks of life—rich and poor, young and old, civilians and former military personnel alike.
Kogi State, located in Nigeria’s North-Central region, has not been spared from this wave of insecurity. While the state is not as frequently mentioned in kidnapping reports as some northern states like Zamfara or Kaduna, incidents like this highlight the spreading reach of criminal gangs. These groups often exploit Nigeria’s vast ungoverned spaces, porous borders, and economic vulnerabilities to carry out their operations with impunity.
The targeting of a retired military officer adds a particularly alarming dimension to this case. Major Ajayi’s abduction suggests that even individuals with security training and experience are not immune to the audacity of these criminals. It raises questions about the safety of ordinary citizens who lack the resources or expertise to protect themselves. Moreover, the psychological impact of such incidents on communities cannot be overstated, as fear of abduction disrupts daily life, discourages investment, and erodes trust in governance.
A Community in Fear
The abduction of Major Ajayi has undoubtedly left a deep scar on the Odo-Ape community. For his family, the uncertainty surrounding his whereabouts is a source of unimaginable anguish. The retired major, at 76 years old, is likely to face significant physical and emotional stress in captivity, particularly if his captors subject him to harsh conditions. The absence of a ransom demand, while potentially a sign that negotiations are ongoing behind closed doors, also adds to the family’s distress, as they are left without clear answers.
For the broader community, this incident serves as a chilling reminder of their vulnerability. Odo-Ape, like many rural areas in Nigeria, is likely to lack adequate security presence, making it an easy target for criminals. The sound of gunshots in the dead of night would have reverberated far beyond Major Ajayi’s home, sowing fear among neighbors who now wonder if they could be next. This pervasive sense of insecurity can have long-term consequences, including reduced economic activity, migration to urban areas, and a breakdown of community cohesion.
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