The Tiv Traditional Council on Friday announced the death and funeral of the traditional ruler of Sankera in Benue State, Abu King Shuluwa.

The information is contained in a statement by the Secretary, Tiv Area Traditional Council, Mr Shinyi Tyozua, in Makurdi.

The monarch, who was a first class chief, governed Ukum, Logo and Katsina-Ala local government areas of the state.

According to the statement, the king died on Tuesday at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi.

He was born in 1946 and died at 79.

Before his death, Abu King Shuluwa was the Tor Sankera and Chairman, Sankera Intermediate Area Traditional Council and member of the Tiv Area Traditional Council and Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers.

“The late Tor will be buried on February 10 at Katsina-Ala. Details of the burial programme will be released in due course. By this announcement, all members of Tiv Area Traditional Council and Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers are invited to attend the burial and pay their last respect to the revered traditional ruler.” the statement stated.

Before his appointment as a monarch, the late king was appointed commissioner in Benue State on three occasions and held several other appointments.

The late traditional ruler unsuccessfully contested the governorship of the state.

(NAN)