Benue @ 50: Gov Alia Honours Murtala, Dan Agbese, Others, Grants Prison Clemency

In a bid to immortalise the state’s founding fathers and other distinguished sons and daughters, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has announced plans to honour the late Gen. Murtala Muhammed and veteran journalist, Chief Dan Agbese, among others.

The governor made the announcement during a live broadcast to mark the Golden Jubilee of Benue State at the Government House, Makurdi, yesterday. Gen. Murtala Muhammed, who served as Head of State, created Benue State on February 3, 1976.

Governor Alia described the recognition of past heroes as both an urgent and moral obligation, emphasizing that the military leader who brought the state into existence deserved permanent remembrance.

As part of the honours, the Benue Printing and Publishing Corporation has been renamed Dan Agbese Printing and Publishing Corporation in memory of the late journalist. In addition, the governor announced that other eminent personalities, including the late Wanteregh Paul Unongo, Elder Isaac Shaahu, Sen. Suemo Chia, Gen. Atom Kpera, and Tashaku Oradi, will have legacy institutions established in their names in due course.

In a separate development, Governor Alia exercised clemency on 14 inmates serving various prison terms. One inmate, Terhumba Aondona, had his sentence reduced from 10 years to four years. Those granted clemency include Akaajime Imoter, Kongusu Terzugwe, Terngu Orshi, Ornaa Achagh, Zwa Achir, Terkimbi Amadu, Iorpenda Christian, Aondowaae Terlumun, Oriba John, Sughnen Terfa James, Akaahar Isaac, Ordam Thankgod, Gwayem Agba James, and Iorfa Terkimbi.

Governor Alia’s gesture, coming on the 50th anniversary of Benue State, underscores his administration’s commitment to recognising historical contributions while also promoting reconciliation and justice.