Ortom pledges adequate security at Tor Tiv’s burial

Fire guts buses at state transport company
AS the final interment day for the late Tor Tiv the IV, Dr. Alfred Akawe Torkula, gets nearer, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, and the central planning committee for the funeral ceremony have inspected the tomb where the monarch would be buried.

Ortom and the committee members visited the cemetery located at Abagu area in Gboko town.The Guardian learnt that the visit was to ensure that all necessary arrangement was in place to give the late monarch a befitting burial.

Speaking at the site, Ortom said the state government has set out modalities to ensure adequate security of lives and property during the traditional burial ceremony.

The governor added that the state government and the burial committee have concluded preparations to ensure safety of dignitaries expected, which include top government functionaries nationwide.

Meanwhile, two Marcopolo luxury buses belonging to Benue Links Transport Company were gutted by fire yesterday. The fire, which occurred at the company’s park, lasted several hours before personnel of the state fire service arrived the scene to stop it from engulfing other vehicles.

A source said the fire was caused by an electrical surge from one of the faulty buses parked at the garage, while another version said it started from one of the buildings close to the park before spreading to the garage.
But an official of the company who spoke under anonymity said the inferno was caused by refuse being burnt near the park.