CONDOLENCE MESSAGE ON THE BRUTAL MURDER OF MAJOR (PASTOR) JOE AJAYI (RTD) – BUNU LEADERS FORUM
It is with a broken heart and a heavy spirit that the Bunu Leaders Forum and the entire Bunu District, expresse deepest condolences to the family, community, military colleagues(that also join to work round the challenge), friends and well wishers of our revered elder, Major (Pastor) Joe Ajayi (Rtd), whose life was wickedly and unjustly cut short in the most horrific and inhumane manner.
We particularly place our most profound sympathy for the Ajayi-Aliu family, the Odo-Ape/Okemeta community, and the Bunu Development Association(BDA).
Major Joe Ajayi was not just a retired officer of the Nigerian Army; he was a gallant war veteran who fought bravely to keep Nigeria united during the civil war.
After his military service, he answered a higher call as a servant of God, Pastoring, mentoring, building lives, and offering comfort to many across our land. He was a pillar of wisdom and stability in Bunu land and an unwavering voice of integrity and peace. He was a stunch believer and strong member of the BDA, and of the Advisory Committee of the Bunu Leaders Forum.
He lived for service, and he died in painful betrayal by a nation that failed to protect one of her finest sons.
That such a respected elder, an 80-year-old patriot, would be abducted from his home, denied his medication, tortured by criminal elements, and ultimately killed even after a heart-wrenching ransom of N10 million was mobilized by a struggling agrarian community—this is not only evil, it is a stain on the conscience of our nation.
We are devastated. We are outraged. We are in mourning.
But we shall not forget. And we shall not be silent.
We commit his noble soul to God, the righteous Judge, and call on all levels of government—federal, state, and local—to rise beyond mere words and finally bring an end to this reign of terror that is daily consuming the innocent and honourable among us.
We will honour Papa Ajayi not only with tears but with action. With renewed unity. With resolve to defend our people, restore our values, and revive the hope that he lived and died for.
May the Lord comfort his wife, children, extended family, the community, his professional colleagues, and every one of us. May He strengthen the Bunu Development Association, the church of Christ, and every broken-hearted friend and relative.
Adieu, gallant soldier. Adieu, faithful shepherd.
Adieu, the true son of Bunu
Emeritus Prof. Olu OBAFEMI, NNOM; FNAL Chairman,
and
Dr. Ade ABANIDA, Secretary
BUNU LEADERS FORUM.
