By Florence Ugbem
The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, the Tor Tiv, Ochivirigh Professor James Ayatse, among others Saturday eulogised the late Ter Kwande, Chief Hilary Ikima at his burial ceremony held in Adikpo, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.
In his remark, Governor Ortom, described Chief Ikima as an individual who had vast knowledge of the history of Tiv traditional cultural heritage, maintaining that his death has left a vacuum difficult to fill, due to his experience from the state civil service to the meritorious role as traditional ruler of Kwande people.
The governor who was represented by his deputy, Engr Benson Abounu, on behalf of the state government, commiserated with his family, the Tor Tiv, Tiv Traditional Council and people of Kwande over the loss. He assured children of the deceased of his support towards completion of their education, and prayed God to give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and grant his soul eternal rest.
In a message, Tor Tiv, Ochivirigh Prof Ayatse, represented by Tor Kwande, Chief Ambrose Iortyer, on behalf of the State Council of Traditional Rulers described Chief Ikima as an epitome of peace and amazing traditional ruler, who contributed immensely to the overall peace and development of the Tiv nation.
Earlier, in her welcome address, Chairman, Central Planning Committee and Chairman of Kwande Local Government, Mrs Joyce Chianson eulogised the deceased, whom she said, had contributed greatly to the development of Kwande and Benue state at large. She stated that he died at a time his fatherly input was greatly needed and prayed God to grant him eternal rest.
Present at the event include Member representing Vandeikya/Konshisha Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Mr Herman Hembe, that of Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, Mr Robert Tyough, members of the State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Mr Titus Uba, the Tiv Traditional Council and wife of the Tor Tiv, Dr Felicia Ayatse were among dignitaries at the event.
