The late Prince Paeke Shapnaan Dongban, son of the President, Court of Appeal Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem who died at the age of 38 has been laid to rest.
The funeral service which took place at the St. Peters Claver Catholic Church Demshin, Shendam LGA Plateau State was a sober moment as the friends, associates and family of the deceased payed their last respects to the late Paeke Shapnaan who was described as a kind, jovial, loving and helpful personality.
Speaking at the funeral service, Governor Simon Lalong said the death of Prince Shapnaan is a painful experience for not only the immediate family, but the entire State as he was one of the young professionals that the State groomed for national service.
He commiserated with the parents of the deceased HRH Miskoom David Isa Dongban, the Long Dorok of Dorok Chiefdom and Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem whom he said have had to bear another tragic death of a son having experienced similar loss some years ago.
He urged them to accept the demise of their son as the will of God and take comfort in the time they shared together as well as his contributions to the family, Plateau State and Nigeria during his years on earth.
Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu who represented the Nigerian Governors Forum said the Forum is saddened by the death of the young Prince and commiserates with them at the moment of grief and pain.
Representative of the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria Hon. Justice A.A. Sankey said the entire Nigerian Judiciary shares in this moment of pain for the Dongban family and in particular Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem over the loss of their son.
The Long Gamai HRH Miskoom Martin Shaldas II who represented the Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Traditional Rulers said the Council was devastated by the loss of a Prince Paeke Shapnaan of the Dorok Chiefdom who has been called to glory. He condoled their colleague, the Long Dorok and his entire family, assuring him of their support and prayers.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Miapkwap death is inevitable and as such the demise of Prince Shapnaan should not be seen as unusual despite his young age since it has been ordained for all to die one day.
He reminded the people to always consider death in their activities as no one knows the day or hour he will die just like Shapnaan who has gone to be with his maker.
He also consoled the family of the deceased asking them to continue to put their trust in God who is the maker of all humanity and has called home Shapnaan to a better place of rest and comfort where there is no pain and sorrow.
Representative of the Catholic Bishop of Shendam Most Rev. Philip Davou Dung said the demise of Paeke is painful but as believers in Jesus Christ, there should be total submission to the will of God.
He said the church will continue to pray for the repose of the soul of Prince Shapnaan as well as comfort for his family.
