Benue State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has emphasized that until peace returns to the three local governments of Sankera which includes Kastina -Ala, Ukum and Logo, development will continue to elude them hence nobody would want to invest in an unsecured environment.
Governor Alia disclosed this at Akume Atongo Stadium in Katsina-Ala while addressing mourners who gathered to pay their last respect to the late Tor Sankera, HRM, Chief Abu King Shuluwa.
According to him, “Banditry must end in Ukum, Logo and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas (Sankera) for the inhabitants to enjoy peace and development.”
He said the late king died fighting for the peace of his subjects adding that his death should also mark the end of banditry in the area.
“Until peace returns in the three LGAs, development would continue to elude them as nobody would invest in an insecure environment,” he said.
The governor also appealed to those in the bush to return home adding that he has good plans for them.
He further promised that at the appropriate time the Sankera traditional council would sit and decide where the new king would come, adding that the right thing must be done.
Also, a former governor of the state, Senator Gabriel Suswam, described the late monarch as a fulfilled man who was outspoken and courageous.
He said the people of Sankera have lost a great son, who never had enemies despite his several years in politics before he became king.
On the appointment of the new Tor Sankera, he said it was the constitutional responsibility of the governor to appoint second and first class chiefs in the state.
He said that though he had no preferred candidate, he would monitor the process to ensure that the right thing was done.
Also, the immediate past governor of the state, Samuel Ortom, who was represented said Chief Shuluwa would be greatly missed. Represented by Dr Cletus Tyokyaa, Ortom urged the people of Sankera to give peace a chance for development to strive.
In his funeral oration, the Tor Tiv , Prof James Ayatse said King Shuluwa was buried as a proper Tiv traditional ruler.
The Tor Tiv who was represented by Tor Kwande, HRM Chief Ambrose Iyorter, sued for peace in Sankera axis which he said witnessed unprecedented bandits’ activities for over a decade now.
The paramount ruler of the Tiv nation further appealed to the youths in the area to drop their daggers and give peace a chance.