Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has advised his kindmen in Tiv communities to adopt a clustered settlement patterns for adequate security and rapid socioeconomic development in the state.
The Governor stated this at Tse-Abanka, Saghev, Nongov in Guma Local Government Area during a funeral oration in honour of Chief Uwouku Abanka, district head of Saghev.
Governor Ortom noted that scattered settlements among the people had made security of lives and property as well as provision of social amenities difficult for government.
He said the rural settlement pattern which was obtainable in the past would help stave off the resurgence of armed herdsmen who find it easy to invade communities to kill the people.
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The governor also pledged his administration’s determination to complete the construction of Tomatar – Tse-Abanka – Ijer Bogundu feeder road that links Buruku as well as the electricity project in the area for easy transportation and electricity supply to the people.
The Governor described the deceased as a peace loving traditional ruler, father and counselor who was highly committed to the development of his community, stressing that he lived a life worthy of emulation.
Chief mourner and elder son of the deceased, Mr. Andy Uwouku, expressed gratitude to Governor Ortom and all those who supported the family in their moment of grief, saying their father died at a ripe age and needed to be celebrated.