Tears as Bali Deanery CWO Secretary, was laid to rest

Tears as Bali Deanery CWO Secretary, was laid to rest

By Ilyu Francis

There were emotional scenes in Bali town, Taraba State, as family members, church faithful and sympathizers gathered in large numbers to bid farewell to Late Mrs. Paulina Erdoo Solomon Saaku, Secretary of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), Bali Deanery.

Mrs. Saaku, who died on January 29, 2026, after a prolonged illness, was laid to rest on February 5, 2026, following funeral rites conducted according to Christian tradition. The wake-keep and funeral activities attracted people from different walks of life who came to pay their last respects to the deceased, widely described as a devoted Christian and community-minded woman.

Delivering the homily during the wake-keep Mass, Rev. Fr. Barnabas Clement Terkaa described the late Paulina as a humble, obedient and devoted woman who remained loyal to her husband and dedicated to the service of the Church. He said she was a loving and caring mother who lived a life worthy of emulation, urging the faithful to emulate her virtues of humility, dedication and service to God.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Parish Priest of St. Paul’s Parish, Bali, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Aidan Yakoko, welcomed guests and described the deceased as a virtuous, loving and generous woman whose contributions to the church and community would be greatly missed.

In his condolence message, the Chairman of the Tiv Traditional Council of Bali, His Royal Highness Zaki David Gbaa Tella, urged the bereaved family to look up to God for strength and comfort during the difficult period. He noted that the late Paulina had served diligently in the Church, particularly through her role in the Catholic Women Organisation. Also speaking during the funeral Mass, Rev. Fr. Simon Dzwave Angian (Oradumbu) described the deceased as an ambassador of peace and a generous woman who devoted her life to serving God and humanity. He encouraged the family to remain strong and take solace in the impactful life she lived. In another condolence message, Rev. Fr. Mark Shimave described her as a steadfast, God-fearing and humble woman who promoted peace and unity within the Church and the wider community.

In his remarks, the husband of the deceased, Mr. Solomon Saaku, who also serves as Chairman of the parish, expressed gratitude to God and appreciated the priests, church leaders, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), pastors of other denominations, members of the Catholic Women Organisation and traditional rulers who supported the family during the period of mourning. He particularly thanked the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Yakoko, his assistant Rev. Fr. Bitrus Kaigama, and other priests present for their prayers and spiritual support. He also acknowledged the presence and encouragement of traditional leaders led by Zaki David Gbaa Tella (Ter Bali II).

Late Mrs. Paulina Solomon Saaku was born on February 28, 1986, to the family of Kuter Adingeh of Mbatyav, Mberev, in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State. She began her education at RCM Primary School, Kufai Amadu, where she completed her primary education in 2000. She later attended Government Commercial Secondary School, Takum, and Mela Memorial Secondary School, Chanchanji, where she obtained her Senior Secondary School Certificate in 2006.

Before her marriage, she worked as a cashier at St. Peter’s Nursery and Primary School, Amadu in 2009. She also served as a class teacher at Mberev Community Secondary School, Amadu, Crème Dela Nursery and Primary School, Bali, and Bali II Primary School.

Mrs. Saaku was married to Mr. Solomon Saaku, and the union was blessed with a daughter, Scholastic Seember Saaku. Family members and church faithful described her as a devoted wife, caring mother and committed member of the Church whose legacy of service and humility will continue to be remembered.