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Benue State Governor, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has joined family, friends, and sympathizers in mourning the passing of Pa. Kunde Zember, a respected nonagenarian patriarch described by the Governor as a courageous and peaceful figure whose life exemplified God’s grace and unwavering commitment to unity, love, and human dignity.
Pa. Kunde, who lived to the remarkable age of 93, was the father of Hon. Aondowase Kunde, the Benue State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management. He was laid to rest in his hometown of Gaav, Konshisha Local Government Area, in a ceremony that drew significant attendance from across the state.
Delivering a heartfelt funeral oration, Governor Alia portrayed the late Pa. Kunde as a striking testament to cherished societal values. He praised the deceased for choosing unity over division, love over hate, and for dedicating his life to faith and the dignity of human existence. The Governor described him as a worthy example of the kind of better human being that society should aspire to emulate.
Expressing his deepest condolences to the Kunde family and the people of Konshisha, Gov. Alia urged them to find comfort in God’s promises while praying for the eternal rest of the departed patriarch.
In response, the chief mourner, Hon. Aondowase Kunde, thanked the Governor for his fatherly love, unwavering support, and presence during this difficult time. The Commissioner highlighted the giant developmental strides recorded under Gov. Alia’s leadership, declaring that the people of Benue “shall want no more.” He reaffirmed his unalloyed loyalty and support, adding that the Governor’s re-election in 2027 was already a “done deal.”
The Chairman of Konshisha Local Government, Hon. Moses Chikiyaa, also expressed profound gratitude to Gov. Alia for making time amid his busy schedule to mourn with the family. He emphasized that the entire people of Konshisha stood solidly behind the Governor and predicted a seamless re-election as a reward for his good works benefiting the state.
On behalf of other traditional rulers, the acting Mue Ter Gaav, Chief Tony Yese, thanked Gov. Alia for his attendance and prayed for continued wisdom and strength to enable him to positively transform the lives of Benue people. He equally conveyed condolences to the bereaved family.
The burial event underscored the deep respect Pa. Kunde commanded and highlighted the strong ties between the state leadership and grieving families in times of loss. Governor Alia’s personal participation was widely seen as a demonstration of empathy, solidarity, and leadership rooted in compassion.
