President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness on the passing away of the Paramount Ruler of the Tiv people of Benue, the Tor Tiv, Alfred Akawe Torkula and a Minister of Defence in the First Republic, Alhaji Inuwa Wada.

The Tor Tiv, Alfred Torkula

In separate condolences, the President commiserated with the immediate families, friends and associates of the deceased, the governments and people of Benue and Kano States.

He urged them to take solace in the knowledge that the departed distinguished Nigerians lived well and contributed significantly to the development of not only their states but the country in general.

President Buhari, who noted that the Fourth Tor Tiv was a great advocate of peace and unity during his 24-year reign, urged his subjects to maintain the existing peace during and after the succession process.

On Wada, the President recalled with pride his active years as a renowned teacher, parliamentarian and minister up until his post-political career as a foremost transporter and industrialist.

The President prayed that “God Almighty grants rest to the souls of the two senior citizens whose wisdom and fatherly counsel will certainly be missed by the current crop of leaders in the country.’’