Gen Bali : Army dominates Tarok rites, shops shut down for burial

From Francis Nansak

A high powered army troops and other security organizations on Monday ,dominated major parts of Langtang North local government area of Plateau state.

It was gathering of top notchers from among the security echolons,who trooped in their numbers to bid their last respects to the former Defence Minister and one time chief of Defense Staff, Leutanant General Domkat Y.Bali,who died on 18th December 2020 after a prolonged illness.

It will be recalled that the late General D.Y Bali,was the ponzhi Tarok ,a first class staff of office ruler of langtang North of Plateau state.He was 80 years of age ,he left behind a wife and two children.

The burial which was hit by certain controversy on whether as a traditional ruler, the Tarok burial rites for a man of his calbre be performed in the traditional way,was however overtaken by the military.

This argument according to some sources within the Tarok stakeholders was between the traditional council and some top retired generals of Tarok nation.

All things being equal,the burial was successfully done,shop owners were instructed to close down as a mark of respect to the late Ponzhi Tarok,who was brought in from Jos in the company of military escort, family members and a host of well wishers that finally layed the body of the general to rest at his Nkangtang village of langtang North.

Giving the high respect that the military had for the late General Bali,major roads in langtang witnessed military patrolling to ensure that there was orderliness and peace in the town.

Be it as it may ,one big deal would be who is likely going to be the successor of the the late Ponzhi Tarok,now that general Bali is dead? Knowing the controversy that played out even when the late Bali was alive,where he was then rocked by a court case and his attempted resignation as the paramount ruler ,before he took ill and later died.

A source said,the sooner a successor is enthroned the better,which could end the controversy that has rocked the town for about ten years.