Aviashima Toom, Makurdi
It was indeed a sorrowful and tearful moment in Oju Local Government Area of Benue State burial funeral rites of eight members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who died in a ghastly motor accident on Friday, December 28, 2018 on their way to the Zone ‘C’ senatorial campaign flag-off in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
Representatives and candidates for various elections and party stalwarts as well as bereaved family members battled to hold back tears in the emotion-laden ceremony.
They all believed the party members died when their services were most needed in the buildup of the 2019 general elections.
Governor Samuel Ortom, while praying God to grant their souls eternal rest and their family members to bear the irreparable losses, directed the immediate appointment of one member of the families to provided succour for them, also told mourners at the funeral service that the excavated portion of the Aliade-Oju road would be worked upon within three weeks.
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He also charged the Igede nation to remain peaceful as they go into the first phase of the 2019 general elections.
A former Senate President, Sen. David Mark, and senatorial candidate for zone ‘C’ in the 2019 general elections, Comrade Abba Morro, in seperate orations, said they were heartbroken and personnal losses to them. They consoled the bereaved families and prayed God to grant their heroes and heroines internal rest describing their death as ‘tragic and traumatising’.
Memeber representing Oju/obi Federal constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Samsom Okwu, who could not hold his tears said he lost key members of his campaign team in the accident, pointing out that the day would remain a black day in the history of Igede nation.
Bishop of Methodist Church, in Obi Local Government Area, Rt. Rev. Odeh Ocheke, urged the congregation to prepare for the last day as nobody knows when the last day would come.
Governor Ortom, on arrival paid a visit to the Adirahu Ny’Igede, Chief Oga Ero, a retired Commissioner of Police, where he condoled the entire Igede nation on the loss of their illustrious sons and daughter.