Singer Jaywon Laments Abduction, Killing Of Retired Army Officer In Kogi West

Nigerian singer, Oluwajuwonlo Iledare, popularly known as Jaywon, has expressed deep sorrow over the abduction and tragic death of retired Army officer, Major Joel Ajayi (rtd), in Kabba-Bunu, Kogi State.

LEADERSHIP reports that the veteran officer was kidnapped from his residence in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, around 11:30pm, after gunmen stormed his home and opened fire indiscriminately. Despite the family’s efforts to secure his release, including the eventual payment of a ₦10 million ransom, the retired Army officer was found dead.

Jaywon, who hails from Kogi West, took to his official Facebook page on Tuesday morning to mourn the late officer and call for justice.

“What happened to Major Joel Ajayi (Rtd.) is a heavy blow to us all. A noble man, taken from us despite efforts to save him,” the singer wrote.

“I pray his killers are found and justice is served. My condolences to his family, Bunu Land, and the Okun nation. We must continue to speak up.”

He added hashtags to end his statement, #RestInPeace, #OkunDeservesBetter and #EndInsecurityInOkunland”.

The late Major Ajayi was reportedly denied access to his medication during captivity, which severely impacted his health. His abductors had initially demanded ₦50 million for his release, but the prolonged negotiation and the family’s inability to meet the demand worsened his condition.

A community source revealed that even after the ransom was slashed to ₦10 million, and promptly paid, the family was only led to discover the lifeless body of the officer.

“Once the ransom was paid, the kidnappers directed the family to where they would find him, only for them to meet his lifeless body,” the source disclosed.

Ajayi’s remains were deposited at the Kabba Specialist Hospital morgue.

This incident added to the rising cases of kidnapping in Kogi State. Earlier in May, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Oba of Okoloke in Yagba West LGA, was similarly abducted from his residence. As of the time of this report, the monarch remained in captivity.

Reacting to the growing insecurity, Governor Usman Ododo, during Sallah celebrations in Okene, urged residents to remain calm and assured them that the government was intensifying efforts to tackle crime across the state.

“Our efforts to rid the state of criminal elements are already yielding positive results,” the governor stated.