by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State recently paid a condolence visit to the Catholic Archbishop of Jos, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Ishaya Audu, at the Catholic Secretariat of the Bishop’s Court to express solidarity with the Church and the entire Diocese on the loss of the CAN Chairman, Rev Fr Polycarp Lubo.
In his response, Archbishop Audu thanked the governor for the visit, describing it as a gesture of deep empathy and leadership.
“It takes over ten years to form a priest. To lose two senior priests within two weeks is a staggering blow to the Church,” he lamented. “Your presence in our moment of pain speaks volumes. We are truly grateful.”
The Archbishop also shaded light on the circumstances surrounding Rev. Fr. Lubo’s death, revealing that the late cleric sustained severe head injuries in a road accident, including trauma to the medulla oblongata. Despite emergency surgery and resuscitation efforts, he could not be stabilized due to pre-existing heart conditions.
The governor also proceeded to Haske Quarters, Jos East Local Government Area, to console the family of the late Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo. In an emotional tribute, Governor Mutfwang reflected on his personal relationship with the priest, describing him as not only a spiritual leader but also a cherished friend.
“Fr. Lubo and I shared a close bond. He was open with me. We laughed, we shared deep concerns. His accident on the eve of our administration’s second-year thanksgiving, leading to his death was a cruel and unexpected blow,” the governor said, his voice laden with emotion.
He recounted how the late cleric was in high spirits before undergoing surgery, giving hope to all who visited. “We believed he would return to us, but God in His infinite wisdom had other plans,” he added.
The governor seized the moment to reflect on the inevitability of death and the importance of living with purpose and readiness, saying, “The house of mourning is for the living, not the dead. Death reminds us to number our days and apply our hearts to wisdom. No one knows the day or the hour,” he cautioned.
In a similar development, the governor also paid condolence visits to the family of late Engr. Yaro Bot Davou, who was elder brother to the Gbong Gwom Jos Da Jacob Gyang Buba.
During the visit, the governor was accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Ngo Josephine Piyo, and members of the State Executive Council. He described their demise as painful and irreparable losses not only to their immediate families but to the entire state.
At the residence of the late Engr. Davou, in Bewarang Close, Bukuru, Governor Mutfwang sympathized with His Majesty, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, the Gbong Gwom Jos-cum Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs.
He paid glowing tribute to the deceased, who passed on at the venerable age of 95, noting that his long life and legacy were a manifestation of divine grace and purposeful living.
“Death will always leave a void in our hearts, but we must summon the strength to say, ‘Thank you, Lord, for a life well-lived.’ To attain 95 is no small feat. It speaks of discipline, wisdom, and legacy,” the governor said.
He prayed for strength for the widow, children, and His Majesty the Gbong Gwom Jos, acknowledging the weight of personal and cultural grief occasioned by the elder statesman’’ transition.
Responding, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the governor for standing with the royal household during its time of mourning.
He described the governor’s visit as a great source of strength and solidarity. Late Engr. Yaro Bot Davou was widely respected for his integrity, humility, and quiet influence.