Unidentified gunmen have kidnapped a 76-year-old retired Major of the Nigerian Army, Pastor Joe Ajayi, from his residence in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

According to local sources, the incident occurred around 11:30 pm on Wednesday when armed criminals invaded the area, firing sporadic gunshots for over an hour before abducting the elderly man to an unknown location.

Ajayi, who previously served as the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the Kabba-Bunu chapter, is reportedly in fragile health due to his advanced age, raising serious concerns among community members about his wellbeing while in captivity.

The abduction has heightened fear in the area and renewed calls for improved security measures across the region. It comes shortly after the Okun Development Association (ODA) raised alarm over the increasing rate of insecurity in Okunland.

The ODA had earlier lamented the recent abduction of a first-class traditional ruler in Okoloke, Yagba West Local Government Area, urging both federal and state governments, as well as security agencies, to take immediate action to address the deteriorating security situation.

This latest incident is part of a troubling pattern of kidnappings in the area. Earlier this year, a council member was kidnapped from his residence, and just days later, three individuals and a child were abducted from a farm in the same community, underscoring the growing security challenges facing the region.

As of the time of this report, there has been no official statement from security agencies regarding the abduction, and the whereabouts of Pastor Ajayi remain unknown.

The community continues to appeal to relevant authorities to intensify efforts to secure the release of the retired army officer and improve the overall security architecture in the area to prevent further incidents.