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Benue State has lost one of its most respected traditional leaders with the passing of His Royal Highness, Chief Thomas Tule Jam Gbinde, popularly known as Ter Ikyor I, the paramount ruler of the Ikyor people in Konshisha Local Government Area.
Born in 1945, Chief Gbinde was appointed head of Abara in 1984 and elevated to the prestigious position of Second Class Chief (Ter Ikyor) in 1991. He served for several decades as a unifying figure, mediator, and custodian of Tiv cultural heritage, earning widespread admiration for his integrity, humility, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to justice and peace.
Described by many as a “sage” and a “bridge” between the past and the future, Ter Ikyor I played a pivotal role in conflict resolution, community development, and fostering harmony within Konshisha and the broader Tiv traditional council. He actively supported government initiatives, including cooperation with the National Population Commission (NPC) during the 2021 Enumeration Area Demarcation exercise.
His leadership style was marked by fairness, deep listening, and a genuine concern for the welfare of his people. He consistently encouraged cooperation between traditional institutions and government structures to drive progress while preserving cultural identity and values.
Chief Gbinde passed away in 2025 at the age of 80. He was laid to rest in his residence at Tse Agbereragba, Konshisha LGA, in a well-attended burial ceremony that drew traditional rulers, political leaders, community members, and mourners from across the Tiv nation and beyond.
His death has left a profound void in Konshisha and the Tiv traditional leadership landscape. Tributes continue to pour in, with many describing him as an elder statesman whose legacy of peace, unity, and selfless service will endure for generations.
