By Isaac Uzaan
The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia has advised the people of Benue State, particularly those from Sankera geopolitical axis against playing politics with issues of insecurity.
Governor Alia gave the advice Saturday February 10, 2024 while speaking at St. Gerald Majella Cathedral, Katsina-ala during the Requiem Mass for HRH Late Erastus Abu King Shuluwa -Tor Sankera I.
He said insecurity in Sankera and other parts of Benue State is something of grave concern to his administration and it should not be used as a soft spot for political gains.
Once again, the Governor extended his hand of peace to the restive Youths who were hiding in the bush, asking them to listen to his calling and give peace a chance to reign in their homes and their communities.
“I extend my hand of peace to those of you that are hiding in the bush to come out and talk to me. I sent people to talk to you. Listen to me, accept it. Let peace come back to your families, let peace come back to Sankera”.
The Governor described Late Abu King Shuluwa as a sacrificial person who died canvassing for peace, adding that Chief Shuluwa died so that peace must return to Sankera and that his death should give the people of the area much cause to accept peace and live in unity.
Governor Alia who also warned against illegal mining, advised those who welcome illegal miners to their places to stop henceforth as such acts pose danger to the environment and the people, even as he said more strides are going to be made including construction of rural roads.
Bishop Isaac Dugu of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina-ala while delivering a homily, advised the people of the area to end undue taxations, play politics of peace building, think together as a people and fashion out practical strategies for peace.
Also, Tor Kwande, HRH Chief Ambrose Iortyer who represented the Tor Tiv at the funeral called on other Tiv sons and daughters not to sit on the fence but harness their ideas towards ending insecurity in Sankera.
Other prominent Tiv sons, and daughters including Chief Barnabas Gemade, Sen. Gabriel Suswam, Sen. Emmanuel Memga Udende, Chief Samuel Ortom, represented by Dr. Cletus Tyokyaa, Gen. Atom Kpera, Chief Gbakaan Tativ, Chief Mrs Elizabeth Apezan, and Hon. Peter Ipusu, amongst others were amongst those who also spoke at the funeral.
Responding on behalf of the Shuluwa family, the wife of the deceased, Chief Elizabeth Shuluwa thanked all the people for standing with the family in their trying moment.
She said her husband was a very gifting person as a result of which she appealed to all the people present to help her raise some money to improve St. Gerald Majella Catholic Church to meet the status of a Cathedral.
Other prominent persons at the funeral were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, represented by Sen. Jack Tilley Gyado, the Deputy Governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Aminu Alkali, and Speaker Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, amongst others.
