By Amos Aar
THE NEWLY installed Ter Katsina-Ala, His Royal Highness Chief Simon Gbakaan Tativ, has expressed optimism about restoring lasting peace in Katsina-Ala LGA, which has faced security challenges in recent times.
Speaking to journalists at his residence in Makurdi on Saturday, Chief Tativ acknowledged the happiness of his community following his coronation, which ends a year-long leadership vacuum after the passing of the former Ter Katsina-Ala, HRH Fedzanga Wombo.
He said that his primary focus as the new traditional ruler is to address insecurity, including kidnapping and killings that have disrupted daily life and markets across the area.
“People no longer feel safe to visit places like Tor Donga, Abaji, or Gbor markets,” he noted, adding that restoring peace is his top priority.
Chief Tativ emphasised that achieving peace would require collective efforts. “It is not a one-man business,” he said, revealing that he has already met with all kindred heads in Katsina-Ala to strategise on ways to restore calm and stability.
The new monarch also commended Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration for allowing a transparent selection process that led to his emergence.
According to him, the governor respected the autonomy of the traditional institution by staying neutral and allowing the kingmakers to freely choose their preferred candidate without interference.
Reflecting on his preparedness for the role, Chief Tativ explained that, in line with local rotational tradition between the Ipusu and Ichongo clans, it was Ichongo’s turn to occupy the throne.
He added that he had long anticipated becoming king and refrained from contesting any political positions in the past, believing it was his divine calling to lead his people traditionally.
He pledged to collaborate with other traditional leaders, including Tor Sankera, HRH David Sev-av, to foster peace across the broader Sankera axis, which has also experienced unrest.
“My priority is peace,” he reiterated. “Without peace, we cannot attract visitors or encourage economic activities in our communities. In the past, Katsina-Ala was lively, and people felt safe to socialise freely. That is the environment we must restore.”
On his previous roles, Chief Tativ mentioned his experience as managing director of Ikyurav Nigeria Limited and as a former board member of both BNARDA and the Benue State University Governing Council, stressing that he has never been a politician in his life and had never contested for a political position prior to his enthronement as Ter Katsina-Ala.
He called on his subjects particularly the youth, to cooperate with traditional authorities and the government to build a peaceful and prosperous community. He also assured them that he would remain present in Katsina-Ala to directly address their concerns.
