The Benue Chronicle

28/07/2023

BREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu Releases Handwritten Letter, Declares End To All Sit-At-Home In South-East Region

28/07/2023

PRESIDENT TINUBU AFFIRMS FG'S READINESS TO SUPPORT GOOGLE TO CREATE 1MILLION DIGITAL JOBS IN NIGERIA

President Bola Tinubu has expressed the willingness of the Federal Government of Nigeria to support global tech giant, Google Incorporated, to create one million digital jobs in Nigeria.

The President gave the assurance at the State House, Friday evening during the visit of Google Global Vice President, Mr. Richard Gingras, to his office.

President Tinubu told the visiting Google executive that Nigeria had creative and talented young people who are ready and motivated to learn especially at this age of Artificial Intelligence, stressing that the tech giant has the capabilities and tools that the young people need to excel.

"I am glad that Google is ready to partner with us. You have answered our call on digital innovation and to help our youths. You are supporting our efforts to promote digital economy. We are ready to work with you on your commitment to create 1 million digital jobs in Nigeria.

"We will give you all the support you need to have a beneficial corporate responsibility. We have started our economic reforms, even though tortuous."

On Google's promotion of free speech, freedom of the press and democracy through its platforms, President Tinubu declared that it is in public interest that free speech and press freedom should not be impeded.

"It is in public interest to continue to defend free press and free speech. We are committed to supporting a free society," the President said.

In his address, the Google Vice President had earlier told President Tinubu that he was in Nigeria for West Africa Journalism Innovation Conference.

He said he had been inspired by the creativity and talent of young people in Nigeria who are embracing technology and digital tools to expand access to information and promote democracy.

Mr. Gingras told President Tinubu that his organisation has deep interest in Nigeria and stands ready to support the Federal Gove

28/07/2023

Press Statement

Thursday, July 27th, 2023.

GOV. ALIA APPOINTS ACTING PROVOST, COLLEGE OF EDUCATION KATSINA- ALA

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has approved the appointment of Dr. Maurice E. Tyokever, as Ag Provost, College of Education, Katsina-Ala.

In a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Joseph Alakali conveying the appointment, Dr. Tyokever's appointment, takes immediate effect.

Before his latest appointment, Dr. Tyokever was a chief lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Education, College of Education, Katsina-Ala.

He is to take over from Mr. Tsavwua Gborigo, who has been the Provost of the institution.

Sir Tersoo Kula,
Chief Press Secretary.

20/07/2023

19/07/2023

The High Court of Justice has dismissed the lawsuit instituted by Counsel to Chief Samuel Ortom and London Line Transport Limited, praying that the court should halt the activities of the Assets Recovery Committee established by the Benue State government.

19/07/2023

Throw back:

SGF GSM

10/12/2022

Historic day for African Football as Morroco becomes the first African nation to feature in the World Cup Semifinal.

Congratulations to the Atlas Lions.

11/08/2022

BENUE DECIDES 2023

26/09/2021

Happy 86th birthday anniversary to a living Legend, Wantaregh Paul Iorpuur Unongo.

26/09/2021

Benue News:

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested Aondofa Cephas, Aka 'AZONTO', the Most wanted Kidnapper & Notorious Militia Gang Leader terrorizing Benue State and its environs, killing more than 300 Persons.

The Benue Chronicle 2021

14/09/2021

3 Scores and 10: HEAVEN GOT BETTER, INDEED!

"The Ker we are mourning"

By Samuel Allen Zenke

When Prof. David Ker clocked 3 scores and 10 (the age of 70), I visited him with a high-power delegation of the Gwer People's Forum, a sociopolitical group agitating for EQUITY in the zoning of Benue's Apex Office. The delegation included Mr. Peter Hambeh (Chairman of the Forum), Dr. Peter Akunoko PhD (a Lecturer with the Benue State University), Hon. Hycinth Kwegi (former Council Chairman, Gwer West), Miss Venia Mnena Tracy Igba and Hon. Achagh Samuel.

Prof. Ker was happy clocking this specific age. He had told me previously on the phone before our visit that his joy knows no bound, and that he feels too old now for this small girl we called mother (referring to his wife, Prof. Beatrice Ker)..... Laughs! He referenced the Holy Book to back his happiness and why that very age (70) is so important to him. He told us that he had earlier phoned his friend, former Senate President, Sen. Dr. Iyorchia Ayu to tell him that he's no longer in the same class (Club 60 years) with him and others. That Sen. Ayu and his boy, Sen. Bola Amed Tinubu and their fellow "young folks" should do the needful to fix Nigeria. That at 70, he has given his all and should now be allowed to enjoy his old age.....

During our conversation, I asked him how was he able to bamboozled his lifetime friend, Amb. Professor Iyorwuese Hagher into believing that they were age mates and he, the older one haven born on June 6th, and Hagher June 25th.... Professor Akase Sorkaa once explained to me how Professor Ker and Hagher used to bamboozled each other back then at ABU Zaria, which led to what they later called "the act of bamboozlement." Prof. Ker himself had reviewed a little to me last year after I wrote a tribute to Professor Amb. Iyorwuese Harry Hagher on the occasion of his 71st birthday anniversary (watch out for the "Ker Series" coming out here on my wall soon). He laughs and threw more lights to it. We also spoke much about the "Witchcraft Conference", how it started, the title of the paper he wanted to present and the reactions from the the Christian Association of Nigeria, and Bishop Sam Zuga.

The Professor David Ker:

Late Professor David Iornongu Ker, OON was born in 1951, June 6th at Mbabur, Ngyohov, Masev in Gwer Local Government Area of Benue State.

Prof. Ker was a former two-time Vice Chancellor of the first State-owned university in the whole of the Nigeria's North - the Benue State University, Makurdi (BSUM, BENSU) and the Varitas University, Abuja.

Until his death, Professor Ker was the incumbent National President of the Aliade Old Boys Association (AOBA), an association of the Old Students of one of the greatest secondary school in Nigeria - the Mount Saint Michael's Secondary School, Aliade. He was also the Chairman of the Visitation Panel to Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola (MAUTECH) formerly the Federal University Yola (FUYOLA) and a Professor with the School of Postgraduate Studies at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

Prof. Ker was educated at Mt St. Michael's Secondary School, Aliade,1964-68; St. Louis College Jos, 1969-1970; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 1971-74; University of Sussex, U.K., 1977-78; University of Stirling, U.K, 1982-84; University of Minnesota, U.S.A., 1990-91; and Grand View College, Des Moines, IOWA, USA, 1991 (D.Litt) respectively.

Prof. David I. Ker’s career as a university lecturer began as an Assistant Lecturer, Department of English, University of Ibadan, 1975- 77 and was made Lecturer II in 1979. This journey spanned through University of Ibadan to his alma mater ABU, Zaria; to Benue State University, Makurdi where he was one of the institution’s resourceful pioneer staff member and later VC; Veritas University, Abuja where he was Vice Chancellor; and Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

In 1982, he switched his services from UI to his alma mater, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and was promoted to the rank of a Senior Lecturer in 1985.

At ABU Zaria, Prof. Ker was Co-ordinator, School of Post-Graduate Studies, 1986-88; Reader, 1989. Head, Department of English, ABU Zaria, 1989- 90; Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, ABU, Zaria, 1989- 90; Dean of Student Affairs, ABU, Zaria, February-May, 1992.

He was called home to serve his motherland when Benue State University, Makurdi was established by His Excellency, Very Rev. Fr. (Dr) Moses Orshio Adasu (second civilian Governor of Benue State) in 1992 where he became the pioneer Head, Department of English and later the pioneer Dean, of the University.

His pivotal role in establishing the university is evident in the numerous offices that he occupied right from the inception of the institute. These included, Dean of faculty of Art and of the Post Graduate school; Head of Department of English; Deputy Vice-chancellor; and Vice Chancellor.

Ker was Chief Examiner, English Literature, IJMB, 1986-90. He was also External Examiner of the following universities: UNIJOS, 1989-90; Bayero University, Kano, 1989-90.

Prof. Ker was also an Assessor of the universities of Benin, Jos and Maiduguri.

Outside of the University, Prof. Ker served as Chair, Board of Governors, Benue Printing and Publishing Corporation, 1987-88 and was one-time Honourable Commissioner for Education, Benue State, 1994-97, under Group Capt. J. Obafemi and Col. Aminu Isa Kontagora, former Military Governors of Benue State.

Professor David Ker was the Proprietor of the Special Science Senior Secondary School, Makurdi. He established the SSSSSM when he held sway as Education Commissioner during the Group Cpt. Joshua Obademi's military administration.

In 2003, Prof. David Ker was awarded the best Vice-Chancellor of Nigerian State University, this prompted his reappointment as Vice-Chancellor of BSU by then Governor, His Excellency, George Akume in 2005, an offer he turned down insisting that he wanted a new challenge (I will expanciate on this in one of the episodes of my upcoming creation - "The Ker Series"). Prof. Ker was later appointment the Vice-Chancellor, Veritas University, Abuja and a visiting Professor to the Nigeria University Commission (NUC).

During his lifetime Prof. David I. Ker was recognised as a Rockefeller Foundation Scholar-in-Residence, Bellagio, Italy, 1992; Fulbright Senior African Scholar, University of Minnesota, USA, 1990-91; Commonwealth Academic Staff Scholar; Jury for the Ritz Paris Hemingway Award; Association of African Comparative Literature; Nigeria English Studies Association; Associate Member, Canadian Association of African Studies.

He was honoured with different awards by national and international organisations. Some of the awards includes: National Civil Service Union Excellence Award; Rotary Club District 920 Makurdi Vocational Excellence Award; Community of Tiv Students Merit Award, University of Agriculture, Makurdi; Excellence Service Award, by NUJ, Benue State chapter; Best VC of Nigerian State University; Order of the Officer of the Niger.

Professor David Iornongu Ker, OON (B.A, M.A, Ph.D, D.Litt.) was a quintessential teacher, university Don, an erudite scholar, elder-stateman and a well refined administrator. He was mostly known for his wit, erudition, scholarly and teaching skills, but he was a father, friend and teacher to many.

Heaven indeed, got a little better the day that it took Professor David Iornongu Ker away from us but his legacies will live on for generations.

Prof. Ker was married to Prof. Beatrice Onyi Otobo-Ker and were both blessed with children.3 Scores and 10: HEAVEN GOT BETTER, INDEED!

"The Ker we are mourning"

By Samuel Allen Zenke

When Prof. David Ker clocked 3 scores and 10 (the age of 70), I visited him with a high-power delegation of the Gwer People's Forum, a sociopolitical group agitating for EQUITY in the zoning of Benue's Apex Office. The delegation included Mr. Peter Hambeh (Chairman of the Forum), Dr. Peter Akunoko PhD (a Lecturer with the Benue State University), Hon. Hycinth Kwegi (former Council Chairman, Gwer West), Miss Venia Mnena Tracy Igba and Hon. Achagh Samuel.

Prof. Ker was happy clocking this specific age. He had told me previously on the phone before our visit that his joy knows no bound, and that he feels too old now for this small girl we called mother (referring to his wife, Prof. Beatrice Ker)..... Laughs! He referenced the Holy Book to back his happiness and why that very age (70) is so important to him. He told us that he had earlier phoned his friend, former Senate President, Sen. Dr. Iyorchia Ayu to tell him that he's no longer in the same class (Club 60 years) with him and others. That Sen. Ayu and his boy, Sen. Bola Amed Tinubu and their fellow "young folks" should do the needful to fix Nigeria. That at 70, he has given his all and should now be allowed to enjoy his old age.....

During our conversation, I asked him how was he able to bamboozled his lifetime friend, Amb. Professor Iyorwuese Hagher into believing that they were age mates and he, the older one haven born on June 6th, and Hagher June 25th.... Professor Akase Sorkaa once explained to me how Professor Ker and Hagher used to bamboozled each other back then at ABU Zaria, which led to what they later called "the act of bamboozlement." Prof. Ker himself had reviewed a little to me last year after I wrote a tribute to Professor Amb. Iyorwuese Harry Hagher on the occasion of his 71st birthday anniversary (watch out for the "Ker Series" coming out here on my wall soon). He laughs and threw more lights to it. We also spoke much about the "Witchcraft Conference", how it started, the title of the paper he wanted to present and the reactions from the the Christian Association of Nigeria, and Bishop Sam Zuga.

The Professor David Ker:

Late Professor David Iornongu Ker, OON was born in 1951, June 6th at Mbabur, Ngyohov, Masev in Gwer Local Government Area of Benue State.

Prof. Ker was a former two-time Vice Chancellor of the first State-owned university in the whole of the Nigeria's North - the Benue State University, Makurdi (BSUM, BENSU) and the Varitas University, Abuja.

Until his death, Professor Ker was the incumbent National President of the Aliade Old Boys Association (AOBA), an association of the Old Students of one of the greatest secondary school in Nigeria - the Mount Saint Michael's Secondary School, Aliade. He was also the Chairman of the Visitation Panel to Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola (MAUTECH) formerly the Federal University Yola (FUYOLA) and a Professor with the School of Postgraduate Studies at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

Prof. Ker was educated at Mt St. Michael's Secondary School, Aliade,1964-68; St. Louis College Jos, 1969-1970; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 1971-74; University of Sussex, U.K., 1977-78; University of Stirling, U.K, 1982-84; University of Minnesota, U.S.A., 1990-91; and Grand View College, Des Moines, IOWA, USA, 1991 (D.Litt) respectively.

Prof. David I. Ker’s career as a university lecturer began as an Assistant Lecturer, Department of English, University of Ibadan, 1975- 77 and was made Lecturer II in 1979. This journey spanned through University of Ibadan to his alma mater ABU, Zaria; to Benue State University, Makurdi where he was one of the institution’s resourceful pioneer staff member and later VC; Veritas University, Abuja where he was Vice Chancellor; and Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

In 1982, he switched his services from UI to his alma mater, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and was promoted to the rank of a Senior Lecturer in 1985.

At ABU Zaria, Prof. Ker was Co-ordinator, School of Post-Graduate Studies, 1986-88; Reader, 1989. Head, Department of English, ABU Zaria, 1989- 90; Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, ABU, Zaria, 1989- 90; Dean of Student Affairs, ABU, Zaria, February-May, 1992.

He was called home to serve his motherland when Benue State University, Makurdi was established by His Excellency, Very Rev. Fr. (Dr) Moses Orshio Adasu (second civilian Governor of Benue State) in 1992 where he became the pioneer Head, Department of English and later the pioneer Dean, of the University.

His pivotal role in establishing the university is evident in the numerous offices that he occupied right from the inception of the institute. These included, Dean of faculty of Art and of the Post Graduate school; Head of Department of English; Deputy Vice-chancellor; and Vice Chancellor.

Ker was Chief Examiner, English Literature, IJMB, 1986-90. He was also External Examiner of the following universities: UNIJOS, 1989-90; Bayero University, Kano, 1989-90.

Prof. Ker was also an Assessor of the universities of Benin, Jos and Maiduguri.

Outside of the University, Prof. Ker served as Chair, Board of Governors, Benue Printing and Publishing Corporation, 1987-88 and was one-time Honourable Commissioner for Education, Benue State, 1994-97, under Group Capt. J. Obafemi and Col. Aminu Isa Kontagora, former Military Governors of Benue State.

Professor David Ker was the Proprietor of the Special Science Senior Secondary School, Makurdi. He established the SSSSSM when he held sway as Education Commissioner during the Group Cpt. Joshua Obademi's military administration.

In 2003, Prof. David Ker was awarded the best Vice-Chancellor of Nigerian State University, this prompted his reappointment as Vice-Chancellor of BSU by then Governor, His Excellency, George Akume in 2005, an offer he turned down insisting that he wanted a new challenge (I will expanciate on this in one of the episodes of my upcoming creation - "The Ker Series"). Prof. Ker was later appointment the Vice-Chancellor, Veritas University, Abuja and a visiting Professor to the Nigeria University Commission (NUC).

During his lifetime Prof. David I. Ker was recognised as a Rockefeller Foundation Scholar-in-Residence, Bellagio, Italy, 1992; Fulbright Senior African Scholar, University of Minnesota, USA, 1990-91; Commonwealth Academic Staff Scholar; Jury for the Ritz Paris Hemingway Award; Association of African Comparative Literature; Nigeria English Studies Association; Associate Member, Canadian Association of African Studies.

He was honoured with different awards by national and international organisations. Some of the awards includes: National Civil Service Union Excellence Award; Rotary Club District 920 Makurdi Vocational Excellence Award; Community of Tiv Students Merit Award, University of Agriculture, Makurdi; Excellence Service Award, by NUJ, Benue State chapter; Best VC of Nigerian State University; Order of the Officer of the Niger.

Professor David Iornongu Ker, OON (B.A, M.A, Ph.D, D.Litt.) was a quintessential teacher, university Don, an erudite scholar, elder-stateman and a well refined administrator. He was mostly known for his wit, erudition, scholarly and teaching skills, but he was a father, friend and teacher to many.

Heaven indeed, got a little better the day that it took Professor David Iornongu Ker away from us but his legacies will live on for generations.

Prof. Ker was married to Prof. Beatrice Onyi Otobo-Ker and were both blessed with children.

12/09/2021

The last time FC Barcelona faced-off with FC Bayern Müchen in the UEFA Champions League, the Spanish side were massively beaten by the Bavarians by an 8-2 score line.

As they prepare to meet again, let's look at the the highlight of their last match.

10/09/2021

Cristiano Ronaldo beats Lionel Messi in the shirt-sale stakes as Man United's No 7 brings in £187m in just EIGHT DAYS... with PSG star raking in £83m less!

They were the two biggest transfers in the summer. Lionel Messi finally left Barcelona after 21 years at the club to join Paris Saint-Germain, while Cristiano Ronaldo has made a sensational return to Manchester United after ending his first spell at Old Trafford in 2009.

Fans have since gone crazy in their clamour for replica shirts of the two successful players - but it is Ronaldo that has stolen a march on his rival when it comes to sales, according to Love the Sales.

Their research reveals that the Portuguese maestro's iconic No 7 shirt has brought in £187.1m since his number was confirmed on September 2, while Messi, despite sealing his switch three weeks earlier, has racked up a mere £103.8m in sales of his No 30 jersey.

The 36-year-old's iconic new No 7 has brought in £187.1million since his number was confirmed. The figure dwarfs sales of Lionel Messi's Paris Saint-Germain - £103.8m so far since his arrival.

Those two figures dwarf the up-front costs for the stars. Ronaldo's initial transfer fee before add-ons was £12.9m, meaning his shirt sales are 14 times more than that and have netted £13.1m in revenue for United already, while Messi's signing-on fee of £25m after joining compatriot Mauricio Pochettino in the French capital.

The shirt-sale data also reveals that Ronaldo's shirt is unsurprisingly the fastest-selling in Premier League history and online searches for 'Ronaldo 7 shirt' have increased by 600% compared to last summer.

Despite Covid-19, this summer has been a bumper one for Premier League transfers, with Jack Grealish moving for a British-record £100m fee and Romelu Lukaku bolstering Chelsea's title chances by returning to the club for £97.5m.

After Ronaldo, Grealish and Lukaku placed second and fourth respectively for Premier League player shirt sales this summer, with Bruno Fernandes sitting third.

Fernandes and Ronaldo's team-mate Paul Pogba sits fifth, with Liverpool's Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk sixth and seventh, wantaway Tottenham talisman Harry Kane eighth, Kevin De Bruyne ninth and Jadon Sancho 10th.

Arsenal were last season's biggest shirt sellers, but they have dropped to fourth, with United inevitably rising to top spot having been fourth in 2020-21.

Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes have two of the biggest-selling Premier League shirts.
Manchester City's Jack Grealish has the league's second-most popular shirt at the moment.

Ronaldo's arrival has helped the Red Devils experience a 62% boost in shirt sales - and expect that number to rocket if he plays on Saturday against Newcastle at The Theatre of Dreams.

Messi, meanwhile, has made only one substitute appearance for the 2020 Champions League finalists since joining Pochettino's men, but don't be surprised if his shirt-sale figures go into orbit once Europe's premier club competition kicks off next week.

The Benue Chronicle 2021

10/09/2021

THE TSA-UTU DANCE OF TIV PEOPLE

TSA-UTU DANCE is a traditional dance performed by the Tiv People of Middle-Belt, North Central Nigeria. The dance has its origin in Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Prof. Terhemba Shija is widely credited for popularising and giving the dance International recognition, he did so when he held sway as the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Culture under the administration of His Excellency, Senator Dr. George Akume, the present Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

TSA-UTU DANCE was introduced to the world by the Benue State Council for Arts and Culture in 1999 under the auspices of Prof. Shija who was then, Commissioner for Information and Culture.

Prof. Shija has always credited the origin of TSA-UTU DANCE to Stephen Tyodzua, a creative genius whom he discovered during his talent hunt of Ushongo Local Government Area.

Thank you Prof. Terhemba Shija and Mr. Stephen Tyozua for this wonder and creative dance.

© The Benue Chronicle 2021.

10/09/2021

Very very creative.. Wow!

09/09/2021

Exit of an Icon.

11/07/2021

BREAKING NEWS: SOUND SULTAN IS DEAD

Popular rapper Lanre Fasasi aka Sound Sultan died on Sunday July 11, 2021.

He lost the battle to throat cancer in far-away USA.

Here are facts about Sound Sultan you should know:

1. Sound Sultan was born Olanrewaju Fasasi on November 27, 1976.

2. He was a rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, comedian and recording artist regarded as one of the pacesetters of modern hip hop music in Nigeria.

3. He released his first single “Jagbajantis” in 2000, which was a hit in Nigeria after independently releasing other singles and featuring in hit songs of other artists

4. He was signed under Kennis Music, where he released four albums.

5. His contract with Kennis Music expired in 2007, after which he partnered with Baba Dee to start Naija Ninjas, a parent organisation for a record label, production outfit and clothing line.

6. Under Naija Ninjas, he released Back from the Future (2010) and signed artists such as Karma Da Rapper, Young GreyC, Shawn and Black.

7. Sound Sultan began a working relationship with Wyclef Jean, featuring alongside 2face Idibia and Faze on “Proud to be African” from Wyclef’s welcome to Haiti: Creole 101 album. They have collaborated on two other projects: “King of My Country” (2009) and “People Bad” (2012).

8. In 2009, Sound Sultan married his long-term girlfriend Chichi Morah, now known as Farida Fasasi from Igbo ethnic group.

9. The couple has three children.

10. In 2012, he was made a UN Ambassador for Peace for his exemplary lifestyle and career.

11. In 2015, Sound Sultan released the rap single “Remember” after a long absence from the music scene.

12. On May 12, 2021, It was reported Sound Sultan is somewhere was receiving treatment in the form of chemotherapy in America as the musician was reportedly diagnosed with throat cancer.

Culled from the The Nation Newspaper

© The Benue Chronicle 2021

13/03/2021

EULOGY FOR CHIEF DR. TERKULA SUSWAM

BY PROF. IYORWUESE HAGHER.

Let me begin my eulogy from the beginning. In the Bible we are told of the first assassination that took place in human history. It was Cain that was driven by envy to kill his brother Abel. In Genesis 4: 10, God, who witnessed the murder of Abel then, as he witnessed the murder of Dr. Terkula Suswam now, asked Cain, “ What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.”

The same God, that asked Cain these questions, is asking the young men that stalked the unarmed, Terkula, and shot eleven bullets into his body, the same question, “ What have you done?” God, is asking all of us here in Sankera, Benue and Nigeria: What have we done to kill, aid killing, stop killing and create a climate of peace? What have we done?

His assailants must have known that he was a man of peace and of un- common lofty pursuits.. Chief Dr. Terkula Suswam’s layered accomplishments were in; politics, academics, community organizing, entrepreneurship, peace-building and leadership. Terkula, had the guts to do the things that mattered to his Sankera people.

His, Ashi Waves FM Radio Station, provided him the megaphone to lend a voice, to those who were not being listened to. He was a sizzling combination of industry, wisdom, compassion and rib-cracking humour. He had courage to face adversaries to negotiate peace, like the time, he went out empty-handed, to meet armed Fulani militia, and persuaded them to lay down their arms and come to play football with Tiv youth at Anyiin.

Even though Terkula was very cosmopolitan in outlook, for the sake of his people, he veered against cosmopolitan city values, and promoted rural living, where he threw himself on the line for progress and peace. To all and sundry, he had a differential demeanor.

Chief Suswam, was totally fearless. He refused to be ruled by fear that Sankera was unsafe. He lived his life completely everyday. When the as- sassins threatened his life, he said that if he had to die for peace to come back to Sankera, then, so be it. His death is not just a loss to his family, generation, and Sankera, his death is an irreparable loss to all humanity; especially to those who put themselves in the firing range of man-made catastrophes for peace.

And now that they have added Terkula’s name, to the long list of men and women, in this o**y of violence, Sankera has become an open gaping wound on the conscience of all our people.The killers and all of us who by our actions, inactions and our speeches and silences, helped to create a criminal ecology of senseless bellicosity for our reactionary youth, have acted without wisdom. Our youth have become untamable, as they kill without respite, and refuse to be cautioned by anybody! And God is asking what have we done?

With this, one- death -too- many, the country is sadly put on notice that the roof of the food basket, and Nigeria’s food security has caved in and fallen. Famine is staring at us, as we are now living in a moral wilderness, where perverse power shows itself in uncontrollably eccentric shadowy tentacles. We see democracy peeling away and yielding its relevance to non-govern- ability: violence has spiraled out of control.

It is my hope that the aftermath of Terkula Suswam’s death may not leave in its wake disastrous unforeseen and unforeseeable consequences. I know that God is asking of us; what have we done? And I know that our brother, Chief Dr. Terkula Suswam’s blood, has a voice, and it is calling on all of us to end the senseless bloodshed, which has turned our young men in Sankera to monsters, and his beloved Sankera constituency, to a jungle whose inhabitants are living in fear, hunger, dejection and deprivation.

The voice of my slain, younger brother, friend and compatriot, Chief Terkula, is calling on us; the youth, political and traditional leaders alike, of Sankera, and Benue, to be responsible for peace, and to shun any acts, by the things we say, and do, that escalate violence. His blood is saying loudly and clearly, that we should never have permitted our differences to the point when they became mutual hatreds that result in killing. Never again.

Let us make no mistake; where democracy is problematic, scarcity is more certain and chaos follows scarcity. To the bystanders that laugh and gloat at Sankera, beware your chaos point is nearer than you think. There was a time when Sankera, ate pounded “gbangu" yams and cavorted to drums until the drums were silenced by the staccato of the AK 47. Make no mis- takes, the distress of Sankera today, is already exerting a destabilization influence on the rest of our neighbors in Benue State and beyond.

As we ponder on the sacrifice of our brother’s life for peace, we can build on this tragedy, and from it, achieve redemption and peace, through forgiveness. We can all forgive one another and march forward or senselessly go for revenge and invoke, the Old Testament’s, eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, and death for a death! Soon enough, we will all be blind, toothless and dead. God forbid!

We have no alternative. We need to forgive one another and resolve to desist from actions that provoke; like bragging and competition, and instead choose our words carefully to co-operate rather than cut throat competition, and to show compassion and love through unconditional forgiveness. For without forgiveness there is no peace and no life! May God Almighty help us all!

God Bless Sankera. God Bless Benue State.

Amb. Professor Iyorwuese Hagher.