The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has commiserated with the former governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, over the demise of his younger brother, Bernard Ortom.

Mr Wike, in a statement signed by his spokesman, Lere Olayinka, in Abuja on Tuesday, described Mr Bernard’s death as “painful” and prayed for the repose of his soul.

He urged Mr Ortom and his entire family in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State to remain strong and take solace in God – the giver and taker of life.

The minister said that the news of the death of Bernard came to him as a rude shock.

He stated, “I understand the sad feeling that must be going on in the mind of my brother and friend, His Excellency, Dr Samuel Ortom now. However, as painful and shocking as the death may be, I urged that solace should be taken in God, who has made death inevitable. On behalf of my family, friends and associates, I commiserate with you over this sad incident. It is my prayer that God in His infinite mercies will give you and the entire Ortom Adorogo family the fortitude to bear this irreparable and painful loss.’’

(NAN)