The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Wase, has expressed “grief and sadness” over the death of the lawmaker representing Plateau South Senatorial District, Senator Ignatius Longjan, who passed away in the early hours of Monday in Abuja.

In a condolence message issued in Abuja on Monday, Wase, who is also from Plateau, described Longjan’s demise as shocking and a great loss to the people of the state and Nigeria in general.

Wase, in the condolence message said, “Late Ignatius Longjan was a beacon of hope for many people in Plateau state and for numerous other Nigerians as a result of his dedication to true service and kindness.

“He spent all his life working towards the good of many in Plateau and across the country across his various positions in the public service up to his short time in the National Assembly.

“Our dear state and indeed the entire country has lost a rare gem who has been snatched away by the cold hands of death and whose legacy will forever be remembered.”

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, also commiserates with the family of Senator Ignatius Longjan.

Lawan said the Senate will miss Longjan who was Vice Chairman of the Committee on Culture and Tourism as well as member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.

The Senate President prayed God to grant those he left behind the fortitude to bear the great loss.

Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong has expressed shock over the death of Senator Ignatius Longjan.

Governor Lalong, in a statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Makut Macham, on Monday described as devastating the death of the Senator.

Lalong said the death of the elder statesman is a huge loss to not only his family, the people of Plateau South Senatorial District, but the entire State because of his immense contributions to the development of the State and the nation.

He said:

“We have lost a man of honour and candour who in all his affairs always put the interests of Plateau State first. His humility, humanity and wealth of wisdom was always at display when he weighed on any issue that concerns people. We will surely miss him.”

Governor Lalong while sympathizing with his immediate family, urged the people of Plateau State to accept the sad event as the will of God and pray for the repose of his soul.

The late lawmaker, a member of the All Progressives Congress, served as Deputy Governor of Plateau State between 2011 and 2015 under the administration of Jonah Jang, who was later in the Senate between 2015 and 2019.

Longjan was earlier Chief of Staff of the Plateau Government House from 2007 to 2011.