Benue Governor Alia Assures Of Appointment Of New Tor Sankera Soon
By Armstrong Tseaa, Makurdi
The Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has assured of the selection and installation of a new Tor Sankera soon.
Governor Alia drop the hint Sunday, February 16, 2025 while speaking at the one year memorial Thanksgiving Mass and reception of HRH, Tor Sankera I, late Chief Abu King Shuluwa and derobing of HRH, Lady Elizabeth-Mary N. Shuluwa I at the Catholic Youth Centre and later at King Shuluwa’s private compound along George Akume Way, Makurdi.
He said the late Tor Sankera was his direct uncle and to him, it was even too early to start thinking about seeking for a replacement.
“We can never have a total closure to this but I think we are at the good anchor of one year to say yes now we can think and start planning quickly for a replacement,” he said.
He insisted that the next Tor Sankera must be a man of uprightness, a lover of truth and someone who is willing to die for his people.
“It is very clear to me that the next Tor Sankera must be a man of integrity, a man of the people, someone who is friendly, someone who calls a spade a spade, and someone who is willing to take a bullet for the people of Sankera,” the Governor explained.
Governor Alia added that he had already sent a message to the Tiv Traditional Council and the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse requesting them to hasten the procedure, saying it was time for someone who will come in with a fresh thinking for development and growth to take over the place of late Shuluwa.
He highlighted a number of causes late Shuluwa championed during his life time, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to ensuring that peace returned to his own domain, his kingdom in Sankera.
While acknowledging the attacks that are still going on in Sankera, Governor Alia reiterated his commitment to ensuring that absolute peace is returned to the area.
He thanked the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina-ala Diocese, Most Rev’d Isaac Dugu and the Tor Tiv, for their unwavering dedication to bringing peace to Sankera.
The Chairman of Katsina Ala Local Government Area, Hon. Justin Shaku and the House of Assembly Member representing Katsina Ala West Constituency, Hon. Peter Ipusu, thanked Governor Alia for the love he has for the people of Sankera and for the efforts he has been making to restore peace in the area.
HRH Lady Shuluwa,, the matriarch of the family and Ngô U Sankera I, thanked the people for honouring the family with their presence and support.
