By Lubem Gena
A renowned human rights activist from Turan in Kwande local government area of Benue state, Hon. Ephraim Ahangba Apiah was on Friday, 29th June, 2018 laid to rest.
He was buried at his family house located in Atagbon village located on Jato-Aka-Ugbema road.
Before his body was committed to mother earth, those who were priviledged to speak during the funeral express sadness over his untimely demise.
Emotions also flowed freely from those who were touched positively by his philanthropic activities such as scholarship to indigent students, community services in areas like construction of culverts, bridges as well as standing on the side of the masses during the worse days of Fulani invasions in the area.
A mourner, Terfa Imomtswem who attended the burial prayed for God to grant Apiah eternal rest describing the death as irreparable and unitmely.
“The demise of this gallant hero of our time came to me as a biblical mene,mene,tekel upharsin (sic). I could not believe. But today I wave my hand with tears in my heart to say bye bye as your body was laid six feet down to rest.
“Your death came at a trying time; a time your presence is most needed.
“All I can say is that your memory will forever remain in our hearts because of your numerous legacies.
“You live your life fighting for the freedom of your people and the entire Tiv nation.
“A mention of your name alone tells the enemies of our people what to do.
“Thousand chapters of book cannot be enough to write about you but your legacies can do more than that, such that generation yet unborn will still hear about you.
“Rest in peace a philanthropist,a mentor and a freedom fighter; Apiah Ephraims”.
Apiah died after a brief illness and is survived by a wife and three children.
He was a trained journalist, public speaker, lover of justice, emancipator, rare politician and publisher of News Waves newspaper.
A fierce writer, Apiah used his newspaper to set agenda for the development of Tiv nation in particular and Benue in general.
He also organise the medium in such a vibrant manner that it confronted corrupt politicians and those failing to deliver dividends od democracy to the elctorates with undisputable facts and figures.
