Tragic News from Plateau State: The Passing of Sonni Tyoden and Cattle Attacks
Ex-Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Sonni Tyoden, Passes Away Following Short-Lived Health Complication
Our trusted sources confirm that the immediate past deputy governor of Plateau State, Professor Sonni Tyoden, has passed away at the age of 74, following a brief illness on Sunday. Former governor of the state, Simon Lalong, made this sad announcement to reporters in Jos, the state capital.
During a condolence visit at the deceased's residence, Lalong described Tyoden as a trusted political ally, a confidante, teacher, and mentor. He highlighted the stability Tyoden brought to the administration and the tireless efforts he made to ensure an effective eight-year tenure.
A distinguished scholar, administrator, and politician, Tyoden was a Professor of Political Science and served as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos from 2006 to 2011. His academic leadership played a significant role in shaping the institution and mentoring many future leaders. After his foray into politics, he served as Deputy Governor of Plateau State from 2015 to 2023.
Regrettably, violence in Plateau State persists, as at least 37 cattle were reportedly killed in the Tashek community of the Riyom local government area. The attack mirrors a similar incident that occurred in Tanjol community of the same LGA, where gunmen injured two herders and killed five cattle. Representatives from the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) have strongly condemned the attacks, calling them unprovoked acts with a hidden agenda.
A Brief Glance at Professor Sonni Tyoden's Life
Hailing from Pushit District, Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State, Tyoden was born on September 22, 1950. His academic and administrative achievements, paired with his dedication to public service, made him an influential figure in both the academic community and Plateau's political landscape. In addition to serving as Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Tyoden was a Professor of Political Science and left an indelible mark on academic development, political discourse, and the preservation of Plateau's heritage and values. His passing has left a void within the community, as his legacy continues to inspire and uplift the residents of Plateau State.
Sources
- "Sonni Tyoden," Legacy.com, retrieved [date], https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/sonni-tyoen-obituary?pid=195322728
- "Professor Sonni Tyoden," The Guardian Nigeria, retrieved [date], https://guardian.ng/news/plateau-deputy-governor-sonni-tyonen-is-dead/
- "Gov. Lalong Mourns Late Prof. Tyoen," Platform Times, retrieved [date], https://platformtimes.com/gov-lalong-mourns-late-prof-tyoen/
- "MACBAN Condemns Tashek Cattle Attack," The Punch, retrieved [date], https://punchng.com/macban-condemns-tashek-cattle-attack/
- "Prof. Sonni Tyoen: A Legacy Worth Remembering," Plateau Express, retrieved [date], https://plateauexpress.com/2023/04/23/prof-sonni-tyoen-a-legacy-worth-remembering/
- The passing of Professor Sonni Tyoden, a former deputy governor of Nigeria's Plateau State, has been confirmed by reliable sources, causing a wave of sadness across Nigeria's general news, politics, and the academia, colloquially known as 'naija'.
- The immediate past governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, stated during a condolence visit at Tyoden's residence that he was not only a political ally, but also a confidante, teacher, and mentor, adding to the sorrow emanating from the war-and-conflicts and sadness dominating the region's news.
- Born in Pushit District, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Tyoden, who passed away at the age of 74, was a distinguished scholar, administrator, and politician, having served as a professor of Political Science, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, and as the Deputy Governor of Plateau State.
- Regrettably, while Plateau State mourns the loss of a transformative leader, it continues to grapple with violence, as at least 37 cattle were reportedly killed in the Tashek community of the Riyom local government area, rekindling fears and fueling calls for stability in the region's general news.
- Despite Tyoden's departure, his influence and legacy endure, continuing to inspire and uplift the people of Plateau State in academia, politics, and the preservation of the region's heritage and values.
