Kano gov mourns as Jigawa counterpart loses son in auto crash

The Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, lost his son, Abdulwahab,  on Thursday in a road crash.

The tragic incident happened barely 24 hours after the governor’s biological mother, Hajia Maryam Namadi, died, following an illness.

His Kano State counterpart, Governor Abba Yusuf, sympathised with him, describing the the incident as “a monumental tragedy, not only for the Namadi family but for the Jigawa State  government and the entire region

“This is a deeply sorrowful moment for Jigawa State. I pray that the Almighty Allah grant Abdulwahab eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus and comforts the Namadi family and the people of Jigawa  State during this moment of grief,” Yusuf said in a statement by his spokesman, Sunusi Bature.

The Jigawa governor, who is currently in China for official engagements, was unable to participate in his mother’s burial, which was well attended by hundreds of mourners, fellow including governors, ex-governors, government officials, appointees, diplomats, clerics and prominent personalities from within and outside Jigawa State.

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Hamisu Gumel,  broke the news of the son’s death in a statement on Thursday.

It was gathered that Abdulwahab was in a vehicle alongside his friends when the fatal accident occurred. Some of the surviving friends sustained injuries and are currently at Dutse General receiving treatment.

Breaking the tragic news on Thursday, the governor’s CPS said, “With a heavy heart, Governor Umar Namadi announces the passing of his beloved son, Abdulwahab Umar Namadi.

“The 24-year-old departed this world on Thursday, December 26th, 2024, due to a ghastly motor accident along the Dutse-Kafin-Hausa Road.”

It was learnt as of the time of filing this report on Thursday evening that the burial rites of the deceased were underway in Kafin Hausa town, in accordance with Islamic traditions.

According to the governor’s spokesperson, the late Abdulwahab left behind a wife, parents and siblings.

“This tragic incident comes just a day after the governor mourned the passing of his mother, Hajia Maryam Namadi,” his statement added.

The incident has sent shockwaves throughout the state, with many residents expressing their condolences to the governor and his family.

Our correspondent reported that as of the time of filing this report, many residents were trooping towards the government house to express their condolences.