Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has expressed grief over the death of former Chief Judge of the state, Justice Adam Ochume Onum, who passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula.
Governor Alia described the death of the former judicial officer as a painful loss to Benue State and the Nigerian judiciary, noting that his contributions to the legal profession and administration of justice would not be forgotten.
The Governor recalled that Justice Onum recorded a historic achievement in December 2017 when he became the first person of Idoma origin to serve as Chief Judge of Benue State since the state’s creation in 1976.
He noted that the late jurist distinguished himself through years of service on the bench, demonstrating integrity, courage and dedication to upholding justice.
“Justice Onum was a distinguished legal practitioner and judicial officer whose contributions to the development of the state’s legal and judicial institutions will remain part of Benue’s history.
“His contributions to state commissions and national Election Petition Tribunals further demonstrated his dedication to public service,” the governor said.
He extended his condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the Idoma nation, the Benue State Judiciary, the Nigerian Bar Association and the people of the state.
He prayed for God’s comfort and strength for all those mourning the former Chief Judge, while asking God to grant his soul eternal rest.
Alia added that the late Justice’s record of service and contributions to the development of Benue State would remain a lasting legacy.