Benue Gov calls for unity to surmount security challenges
..as BIPC boss buries Father
By Bridget Tikyaa
Benue State Governor Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has called for unity of purpose to overcome the challenges bedevilling the state.
Governor Alia made this statement on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Tse Antor, Mbaduku in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, during the burial of Pa James Asemakaha, father of the Managing Director of Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) Limited, Dr Raymond Asemakaha.
Represented by the Secretary to the Benue State Government, Deaconess Deborah Aber, Alia described the death of Pa Asemakaha as a great loss not only to the Mbaduku community but to the state at large.
He promised to immortalise the deceased with a community project after consultations with community leaders based on a needs assessment.
Alia also promised to ensure more government presence in the community, as their son Dr Raymond had exemplified in his administration in the state.
The Governor commended the deceased’s son for the giant strides he helped him to achieve in two years.
“The BIPC water, Bread, Nails, Polythene bags and Brewery he has established in just two years of my Administration, helping to cushion the effects of the economic situation the nation faced, has been favourable to the state.
“I command my appointees to emulate Dr Raymond, be focused and yield positive results for the state,” the Governor said.
The Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Aondona Dajoh, represented by his wife, Cynthia Dajoh, acknowledged the contributions of the deceased and his son.
The Speaker assured continued support for Governor Alia to deliver on his mandate beyond 2027 and called for a peaceful approach towards the next general election.
The Chairman of Vandeikya Local Government Council, Mr Dennis Guda, noted that Pa Asemakaha had trained his children well, including Dr Raymond Asemakaha, who has transformed BIPC to new heights.
Guda said terrorists herdsmen have been attempting to invade Kunav land but have been unsuccessful due to the vigilance of stakeholders.
He urged other communities to remain vigilant, and challenged the youths to shun collaboration or financial inducements to destabilize their communities.
The chairman commended Governor Alia for his proactive governance.
The Tor Jerchira, HRH Chief Edward Ujege, promised to revive the Jerchira Day celebration to sustain the unity historically associated with the region and acknowledged Pa Asemakaha’s role in fostering peace in Kunav land.
In his oration, the paramount ruler of Kunav land, the Ter Kunav, Chief Joseph Achiaku, called for unity among Jerchira sons to defend and foster progress.
He referenced the Yelwata invasion, where many remained passive until the invaders caused havoc, and advocated for state police to safeguard communities.
Achiaku praised Pa Asemakaha’s contributions during his service in the Nigerian Army and later in the civil service.
The President General of Kunav United Development Association, Deacon Tor Yaji, described Pa Asemakaha as a peacemaker and urged Mbaduku residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements.
He said Dr Raymond had honoured his father as a true son would.
He also commended the BIPC boss for empowering the youth which has curbed social vices and eliminated crimes in the society.
“The establishment of the companies by the Governor , supervised by the BIPC boss our son,has really me ok bed a lot of youth from the streets,women and men has found their bearings in the society.
In a vote of thanks, the chief mourner, Dr Raymond Asemakaha, expressed gratitude to the state government and friends from far and wide for their support during the burial.
He thanked Governor Alia for his assistance and for standing by his family during their grief, wishing all attendees a safe journey home.
