Posted by The State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB has been ordered by Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State to rebuild the elementary school in Tse-Tseen, Saghev that was destroyed in a herdsmen attack on the neighborhood.
Following attacks by herders on villages and communities in various sections of the State, a number of primary schools have either been burned down or abandoned.
In his remarks at the Thanksgiving Mass in honor of “Onov Mba Zenke Geraza” conducted by Tor Lobi, HRH, Moses Anageende, and held at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Tse-Tseen, Saghev in Guma Local Government Area, Governor Ortom issued the decree on Sunday, January 8, 2023.
The Governor instructed Joseph Utse, the Executive Secretary of SUBEB, to develop plans for the reconstruction of each burned-down block.
In order to better serve the community, the primary school board is also required to build an additional block of classrooms at the facility.
He expressed regret that Fulani terrorists had destroyed the school his administration had built and properly equipped, depriving the neighborhood’s youngsters of the opportunity to receive an education.
Additionally, Governor Ortom reaffirmed his appeal to the people of the state to remain watchful and ready to repel invaders whose only goal is to seize their ancestral lands rather than graze instead.
In order to participate in the upcoming elections, he urged individuals who registered with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to make sure they obtain their Permanent Voters Cards, or PVCs.
He emphasized that residents of Benue would not support candidates who would force them to remain as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in their own country.
The Governor also praised the security organizations for their “dedication, perseverance, hard work, and patriotism” in ensuring the safety of people and property.
The Governor said that his government will start the third training of an extra 1,000 members of the Community Volunteer Guards in January of this year to reinforce the security of the State.
He emphasized that traditional leaders should speak with the Local Government Chairmen in their respective Areas to suggest young people with a track record of integrity who will be trained as the next batch of volunteer Guards. The State Security outfit, whose purpose is to supplement the conventional security agencies, requested this.
Governor Ortom expressed his delight that socio-economic life was gradually improving in the community following the heinous attacks by herdsmen as he congratulated the Tor Lobi on the occasion and noted how the Saghev community has produced great people who have contributed to the development of the state.
Tor Lobi, HRH, Chief Anageende, stated in his remarks that the Thanksgiving Mass aimed to thank God for his many favors and to raise money for the building of a suitable Catholic church in the neighborhood where he first professed his faith.
He praised the Governor’s diligent efforts on behalf of the state’s development, especially his security interventions to maintain peace.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Richard Iyaghigba, the parish priest of St. Gabriel’s Parish in Tsavnum-Saghev, Nongov, exhorted Christians to demonstrate their faith via good works in the community so that others will recognize and respect God’s ways.
The cleric emphasized that because God’s light has shown and the faithful must reject darkness and pursue righteousness because Jesus Christ was made apparent and his light has lighted the universe, Christians must maintain the truth and eschew deception.
The Governor afterwards paid a visit to the school and the Army unit stationed there and praised them for their sacrifices made on behalf of the local population.