By Florence Ugbem
Benue State Deputy Governor, Engr Benson Abounu on Thursday paid condolence visits on former President of the Senate, Sen. David Mark on the demise of his first son Tunde Mark and the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Muhammadu (Rtd) over the loss of his elder brother, Alhaji Safiyanu Baga.
At the Abuja residence of Sen. Mark, Engr Abounu expressed his sympathy and that of his family to Sen. Mark on the death of his son, who died on October 21 in a London hospital. He described the deceased as a gentleman, who was objective and factual in his dealings, a harmless gentleman, who was friends to all, irrespective of their social status.
The deputy governor recounted the efforts of Sen. Mark to save the life of his son, who had been battling cancer. He, therefore, urged the former President of the Senate to take heart and bear the irreparable loss with calmness and prayed to God to grant his soul eternal rest.
In his response, Sen. Mark thanked the deputy governor for the visit, stating that his visit and the condolence messages he has received from Nigerians all over the country have helped strengthen him.
Earlier, the deputy governor stopped over at Lafia, on his way to Abuja and condoled with the Emir, Justice Muhammadu, who lost his elder brother on September 17, after a protracted illness. He described the death of the deceased as colossal and enjoined the Emir to see the death of his brother as an act of God, he prayed to God to comfort him and the entire family.
Responding, the Emir thanked Engr Abounu and lauded the cordial relationship between the people of Benue and Nasarawa States, thanking them for identifying with him and the Lafia Emirate on the demise of his brother and praying for the cordial relationship to be sustained.