From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has condemned the assassination of Chris Terfa, a prominent health rights advocate and leader in Nigeria’s development sector.
Governor Alia in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, said that until his assassination, Terfa, was the National Chairperson of the National Key Population Health and Rights Network (NKPHRN) and the Executive Director of Concerned Youth for Development Initiative (CYDI).
He was tragically killed last week Friday at his office complex on Nyesom Wike Road, off George Akume way, by-yet-to-be identified assailants.
Alia, who alongside with some top government functionaries, visited the family of the deceased earlier on Sunday, after church service, expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended his condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.
He recalled the deceased’s significant contributions to the health and human rights sectors, particularly his efforts in advocating for vulnerable populations in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
He commended the prompt actions of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of E Division, Daniel Ezeala, and his team as the ongoing investigation is aimed to uncover further details and identify the culprits.
Alia,who was told that a suspect was already in the police custody and cooperating with the police, further directed all security agencies in the state to hunt and ensure the perpetrators and anyone connected to the dastardly act is apprehended and brought to book.
He assured the public that the state government is fully committed to ensuring that justice is swiftly served.
The death of Terfa has brought tears and sorrow across the state and beyond.