BREAKING: Gunmen Abduct 76-Year-Old Retired Army Major, Pastor Josiah Ajayi, in Kogi State
In a shocking and deeply troubling incident, heavily armed gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 76-year-old retired Major of the Nigerian Army and respected community pastor, Pastor Josiah Ajayi, from his residence in Kogi State. The incident, which occurred on the night of Wednesday, May 21, 2025, has sparked widespread fear and outrage in the region, particularly in the Odo-Ape community where the victim resided.
This latest abduction underscores the growing insecurity across Nigeria and highlights the need for urgent and effective intervention by security agencies.
Who Is Pastor Josiah Ajayi?
Pastor Josiah Ajayi is not just any regular citizen. He is a retired Major in the Nigerian Army and a former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kabba-Bunu chapter. A prominent figure in both military and religious circles, Pastor Ajayi is known for his decades of selfless service to his country and community. His leadership in the Christian community, particularly in the Kabba-Bunu area, earned him respect across religious and ethnic lines.
After retiring from the military, Ajayi chose to serve God and humanity as a full-time minister, committing himself to preaching peace, unity, and spiritual growth. His influence as both a spiritual leader and a military veteran made him a pillar of the community.
How the Abduction Happened
According to multiple eyewitness accounts and local security reports, the armed men stormed Pastor Ajayi’s home in Odo-Ape, a peaceful, agrarian community located along the busy Kabba-Obajana-Lokoja highway, around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday night.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and terrifying. The gunmen reportedly fired gunshots continuously for over an hour, creating panic and confusion in the neighborhood.
“The gunmen shot continuously. We were too afraid to even peep outside. They were heavily armed and knew what they came for,” said one resident who spoke on condition of anonymity.
After overpowering any form of resistance and ensuring fear among locals, the kidnappers whisked the retired military officer and pastor away to an unknown destination. As of the time of this report, the abductors have not made any contact with the family or authorities, leaving loved ones and residents in suspense and worry.
Odo-Ape: A Community in Fear
The abduction of Pastor Ajayi has left the Odo-Ape community in shock. Known for its tranquility and agricultural productivity, Odo-Ape has now joined the growing list of rural Nigerian communities grappling with the menace of kidnapping and armed banditry.
Community leaders, youth groups, and religious figures have all condemned the incident and called for increased security patrols, especially at night.
“This is unacceptable. A man who served his country and his God with honor has now become a victim of lawlessness. We need the government to act swiftly,” lamented one local elder.
The fact that such an attack could occur so close to the Kabba-Obajana-Lokoja expressway, a critical federal route, has further amplified calls for better surveillance and rapid response mechanisms along Nigeria’s highways.
A Rising Trend: Insecurity in Kogi and Across Nigeria
Kidnapping for ransom has become a disturbing trend across Nigeria in recent years. Even relatively peaceful states like Kogi are now witnessing a surge in violent crimes targeting both the rich and poor, old and young.
Kogi State, strategically located in the North-Central region of Nigeria and bordered by several other states, has become a transit hub for criminal elements, especially those seeking to evade security forces after attacks in neighboring states.
Pastor Ajayi’s abduction is not an isolated case. In recent months, several cases of kidnapping have been reported across Kogi, particularly along highways and in remote villages.
Security experts believe that the porous borders, limited police presence, and inefficient intelligence gathering are contributing factors to the rise in these criminal activities.
Silence from the Abductors: A Source of Concern
One of the most concerning aspects of this case is the lack of communication from the kidnappers. In most cases of abduction, the perpetrators usually make contact with the victim's family within 24 to 48 hours to demand ransom. However, in Pastor Ajayi’s case, no such contact has been made — leading to growing fears about his safety and well-being.
Family members, friends, and fellow church members are reportedly fasting and praying for his safe return, even as they work with local security agencies to trace his whereabouts.
“We have not heard anything. No phone call. No message. It’s very disturbing. We are just trusting God for his protection,” said a close associate of Pastor Ajayi.
What Are the Authorities Doing?
The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the incident and assured the public that they are working round the clock to track down the kidnappers and rescue the retired officer unharmed.
Security forces, including the police and local vigilante groups, have launched a manhunt in surrounding forests and neighboring communities, hoping to intercept the perpetrators or gather intelligence that could lead to a breakthrough.
Despite these efforts, the delay in locating the abductors or establishing communication has drawn criticism from civil society groups who are demanding more proactive and technology-driven security operations.
Calls for National Attention
The abduction of Pastor Josiah Ajayi, a national figure in his own right, should not be treated as a local issue alone. Many Nigerians are calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to step up the fight against kidnapping and banditry, which has become a scourge threatening national unity and development.
“This is not just about one man. It’s about all Nigerians. If a retired army officer and pastor can be kidnapped in his home, then no one is safe,” said a member of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Abuja.
Community and Church Respond with Faith and Determination
In the face of this crisis, the Christian community in Kabba-Bunu and beyond has mobilized prayer groups, vigils, and solidarity rallies. Many churches across Kogi State observed special prayer sessions on Sunday, May 25, 2025, for the safe return of Pastor Ajayi.
“We believe in the power of prayer. Our father will come back to us. We are united in faith and action,” said Rev. Samuel Alade, a CAN official in Kogi.
Local leaders have also begun forming neighborhood watch committees to bolster security and deter further attacks.
Conclusion: A Nation on Edge
The kidnapping of Pastor Josiah Ajayi, a revered community leader and retired Army Major, serves as yet another reminder that Nigeria's security challenges are far from over. It is a wake-up call for the government, security agencies, and communities alike to unite in addressing the root causes of insecurity — from poverty and unemployment to poor policing and weak intelligence.
As the search continues, NaijaRush joins the voices praying and advocating for his safe and speedy return. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they unfold.
If you have any useful information that could help security agencies locate Pastor Josiah Ajayi, please report to the nearest police station. No tip is too small.
