A 76-year-old retired Nigerian Army Major, Pastor Joe Ajayi, was kidnapped by gunmen from his home in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The abduction occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, with witnesses reporting that the assailants fired gunshots for over an hour before taking the elderly cleric away.
Ajayi, a former chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Kabba-Bunu, is feared to be at heightened risk due to his advanced age and fragile health. Community members have expressed grave concerns about his wellbeing in captivity.
The incident has intensified fears in the region, coming just weeks after the Okun Development Association raised alarms about worsening insecurity in Okunland.
The ODA had previously condemned the kidnapping of a first-class traditional ruler in Okoloke, Yagba West LGA, and called for urgent government intervention.
This latest abduction follows a pattern of attacks in the area. Earlier this year, a local council member was taken from his residence, and days later, three individuals and a child were kidnapped from a farm in the same community.
The repeated incidents have left residents in a state of shock and heightened anxiety about the deteriorating security situation.
Authorities have yet to issue a statement on the abduction or any ongoing rescue efforts for the retired military officer and respected religious leader.
