POPULAR NIGERIAN GOSPEL SINGER IS DEAD.

Popular gospel singer Israel Terhemba Ikyereve, known by his stage name New Jerusalem, is dead.
He passed away at the age of 53.

News of his death has sparked widespread mourning across Benue State, particularly within the Christian community, where he was revered for transforming Tiv Swange music into a powerful medium for spreading the gospel.

Former Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, led tributes to the late gospel icon during a condolence visit to his residence in Makurdi. Accompanied by members of the Brethren Prayer Group, Ortom described Ikyereve as a devoted Christian whose music resonated far beyond Nigeria’s borders.

“His songs touched my heart as a lover of Christ,” Ortom said. “That attraction led me to seek a personal relationship with him, which began a lasting bond with his family.”

The former governor recounted witnessing the late singer’s music featured in an international programme in Australia, where a Tiv man was teaching music while New Jerusalem’s songs played in the background.

According to Ortom, this was a clear testament to the global impact of Ikyereve’s gospel ministry.

He offered prayers for the bereaved family and pledged his continued support to them and the New Jerusalem Gospel Music Troupe, promising not to abandon them after the burial.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Hon. Iorshagher Ikyereve, the elder brother of the deceased, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Ortom for his unwavering support throughout the late singer’s illness and beyond.

He also disclosed that one of Israel’s sons was named “Ortom” in honour of the former governor’s compassionate involvement in their lives.

Prayers were also led by Rev. Pastor Tor Ujah and Dr Joseph Antyo, both leaders of the Brethren Prayer Group.

The late gospel artist is survived by his wife, fellow gospel singer Deborah Msendoo Ikyereve, four children, and several relatives.

His burial is scheduled for Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Sati Agirigi, Mbamo, Shitile, in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

TINUBU UNDER FIRE FROM SPIRITUAL PROTESTERS AS PROPHET PREDICTS 2027 BID

Clergyman Bomadi Serimoedumu of the Niger Delta region has sent a sombre spiritual message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, warning that the dead are hellbent on preventing him from being re-elected in 2027. It was at a Sunday service in Paradise City Zion, the headquarters of Mount Zion Divine Gospel Ministry International in Bomadi Local Government Area, Delta State, where this prophesy was reportedly shared, according to Vanguard.

Prophet Serimoedumu, widely known as the "Secret Revealer of the Niger Delta," urged President Tinubu to immediately revamp Nigeria's security apparatus. The innocent lives lost to bandits and rebels, he stressed, are pleading for retribution. People are dying unfairly in Nigeria, he claims, and the government of the country, who is legally obligated to protect them, is doing nothing.

According to the prophet, the afterlife is holding placards in symbolic protest, begging for divine and global action to prevent President Tinubu's reelection in the next general election. Those living in Nigeria are also enduring economic hardship and insecurity, he said, drawing parallels between this spiritual protest and the physical demonstrations they have organised.

The continuing killings, Serimoedumu added, should not be disregarded because they are purportedly committed by armed groups, including suspected ranchers and robbers. He emphasised that the country and Tinubu's political ambitions were at stake in the event that the worsening security situation was not addressed. The time was running out, he said, and he begged Tinubu to do something quickly and own up to the security problems facing the country.

As a final word of warning, the prophet remarked, "A word is enough for the wise." Worshippers and community members alike are understandably alarmed by the prophetic proclamation, with many expressing worry about the escalating insecurity situation in Nigeria.