Pastor Josiah Ajayi, a retired Nigerian Army Major and cleric, was abducted by unknown gunmen in the Odo-Ape community of Kogi State.
Pastor Ajayi, who once served as the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the Kabba-Bunu chapter, was reportedly kidnapped from his residence late Wednesday night, May 21, around 11:30 p.m.
Sources within the community disclosed that the attackers stormed the area and fired sporadic gunshots for over an hour before abducting the retired military officer and whisking him away to an undisclosed location.
The incident occurred along the busy Kabba-Obajana-Lokoja highway, a route increasingly known for its security challenges.
As of the time of filing this report, the abductors had yet to establish contact with the victim’s family or make any ransom demand.
The abduction has left residents in shock, sparking renewed calls for intensified security patrols and surveillance in the area.
Community leaders and concerned citizens have appealed to security agencies to act swiftly to ensure the safe return of Pastor Ajayi and to prevent further incidents.
Security authorities are yet to issue an official statement regarding the abduction.