“NIGERIA BETRAYED HIM” – Kinsmen laments death of Retired Major Ajayi at kidnappers den
By Boluwaji Obahopo, LOKOJA
Outburst and uproars has trailer the death of Kogi retired Military officer, Major Joe Ajayi who died in the hands of his kidnappers on Sunday.
Major Ajayi, aged 80 was kidnapped on May 21 at his hometown of Odo-Ape in Kabba/Bunu LGA of Kogi around 11:30pm, with the abductors requesting for N50milkion to release him
With the family unable to pay, Ajayi health was said to have deteriorated due to his health challenges and the refusals of the kidnappers to accept the family plea for his medication to be forwarded to him, unless they pay extra; a concessions that couldn’t be met by the family.
However, as soon as the abductors discovered that Ajayi couldn’t survive, they reduced the ransom to N10 million naira. Believing he was still alive, the family quickly agreed to pay the ten million naira for his rescue.
Once the ransom was paid, the kidnappers directed the family to where they will find him, only for them to meet his lifeless body.
Reacting, the Bunu Leaders Forum said the gruesome manner the retired major died is on the conscience of the country.
The Forum in a statement on Monday signed by Prof. Olu Obafemi and Dr. Ade Abanida, chairman and secretary respectively, said Nigeria has failed in its responsibility to her citizen.
“It is with a broken heart and a heavy spirit that the Bunu Leaders Forum and the entire Bunu District, expressed 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.
“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 staunch 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.
Retired Joe Ajayi, was once the Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, Kabba/Bunu Chapter
