By Matthew Ajai-Kume
Governor Samuel Ortom has urged the people of Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State and that of Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State to sustain the recent peaceful relationship, existing between the two neighboring local areas.
The Benue State Governor made this known Friday during the burial of Late Major Uke Wende (Rtd) at Tsar Mbaduku, Vandeikya Local Government Area.
Governor Ortom who appreciated the delegation that came from Obudu, led by the Vice Chairman of the local government and some traditional rulers from the area to console with the people of Kunav over the death of their illustrate son, appealed to them to always mingle in times of joy and other festivities, in order to create smooth relationship that will not be broken easily.
He called on the people of Jechira to unite against the evil mission of criminal elements, while he appealed to the stakeholders in the area to work hard, in order to recover the remaining weapons bandits collected from the murdered soldiers in Konshisha Local Government Area, as well as ensure the perpetrators of the act are arrested and prosecuted.
Governor Samuel Ortom said Major Wende, during his life time worked for peace, justice, equity and fairness which attracted greater development to Benue State and Nigeria in particular.
In his funeral oration, the Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, Titus Uba, expressed displeasure over the death of Major Wende, who he said during his life time was a man of peace, bridge builder and epitome of oneness. He prayed God to console the family and give them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.
On his part, the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Dr George Akume, represented by Dr Terhemba Shija, called on the wife of the deceased, Mrs Ashi Wende to hold on in the absence of her husband, by ensuring peace and progress of the family while he thanked Governor Ortom for the comfort and consolation he gave to the family of the deceased.
In his funeral oration, Senator Gabriel Suswam, represented by Dr Kester Kyenger, called on people to emulate the peaceful gesture of Major Wende and prayed God to console the family.
On his part,Tor Jechira, Chief Clement Uganden, represented by Ter Kunav, Chief Vincent Achiaku, expressed dismay over the death of his son, Major Wende.
Tor Jechira appealed to the governor to do everything possible to solve the problem in Konshisha while he promised to continue to support Governor Ortom’s administration to succeed.
Earlier,the Acting Chairman ,Vandeikya Local Government Area, Barr Alex Tyonongo, expressed gratitude to Governor Ortom and others for their contributions towards the successful burial of Major Wende, who was a very illustrious son of Kunav and Benue State in general.
