02/09/2023
TODAY would have been his wedding-day - But he died!
Word broke out on how it happened - how he was killed by his own blood, like King Adetusa of Kutuje in Ola Rotimi's "The Gods Are Not To Blame".
On his way home to Chito in Ukum Local Government Area to break to his people word of his wedding, Lemuel Mzungwega Gbajime ran into a Tiv militia group. Asked who he was, his occupation, mission, kindred and village, Mr Gbajime told his assailants.
"We'd send you a message to Full Fire", they resolved.
"Just before l part with life", Mr Gbajime started, " do me this favour, soul brothers", he pleaded.
Taking out a small-sized copy of the Holy Bible which he always had on him as soon-to-be-ordained Pastor, he passed it unto them, saying "Take this, brothers. This is my parting gift to you people".
Somehow, they took the Bible.
His neck tightly tied with a rubber band and his hands equally tied behind his back, Pastor Lemuel Mzungwega Gbajime struggled to breathe until life left him on the evening of 25-08-2023.
He was killed by those he called brothers, his own blood.
Deus locuta causa finita est. Requiescat in pace.
©Ayati Orlu-Bem Ayati
