Adamawa Tiv community condoles with Fintiri, Tukur’s family over patriarch’s death
By Mohammed Ismail
The Adamawa state Tiv community has condoled with Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and the Bamanga Tukur’s family over the death of the patriarch of the family, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur on Saturday.
The Tiv community particularly condoled with Awwal D. Tukur, the deceased eldest son who is also the secretary to Adamawa State government.
In two separate condolence messages signed by the president of Adamawa state Tiv community, Professor Iyorwuese Anum, the Tiv community expressed shock over the departure of a rare patriot, a dependable pillar, an accomplished business icon and a true democrat.
“On behalf of the Mdzough u Tiv, Adamawa State, we extend our deepest condolences to Your Excellency, the Government and good people of Adamawa State, and the family of our departed elder, statesman and distinguished son of Adamawa, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Tafidan Adamawa,” the statement said.
“The news of the passing of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur has come to us with profound sadness” the statement added.
Professor Anum pointed out that the death of Bamanga Tukur is not only a great loss to his immediate family and Adamawa State, but also to the many communities and people whose lives he touched through his remarkable disposition, wisdom, warmth and generosity.
“To the Tiv people, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur was much more than the revered Tafidan Adamawa. He was a genuine friend of the Tiv people, a man who held them with great affection and always demonstrated a special fondness for them. ”
The statement added, “Alhaji Bamanga Tukur became such a familiar and beloved figure in Tivland that his name became a household name among the Tiv. Because many local Tiv people found his name difficult to pronounce, they affectionately gave him the nickname “Mama Mbaduku.” (mother of Mbaduku) a community in Vandekya local government in Benue state.
“The name became a symbol of the special relationship and affection that existed between him and the Tiv people.
The Tiv nation has indeed lost a friend.
As we mourn this great son of Adamawa State.”
Professor Anum who is the Head of Department of Building Technology, Modibbo Adama University Yola, described Bamanga Tukur, as a man with a third eye for the industrialisation of Nigeria and the entire Africa.
He said Tukur was not only a democrat, but a compass of democracy in Nigeria and beyond.
Bamanga Tukur was the chairman of the first convocation of the Benue State University Makurdi in 1996.
“Adamawa State Tiv community prayed that the Almighty God will forgive his shortcomings, grant him eternal rest and give his family, Governor Fintiri and the people of Adamawa State the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the statement added.
