Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, on Saturday, led a host of dignitaries, family members, and thousand of sympathisers to the funeral prayer also known as Janazah, of the late Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Col. Abdullahi Bello (Rtd), who died in a tragic motor accident along the Malam Sidi-Gombe road.
Recall that the late Col. Bello (Rtd) lost his life in a motor accident while returning from Maiduguri, where he attended the North-East Regional Consultation on the Development of a National Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration.
The Janazah which took place at the Emir’s Palace, Gombe, drew a huge crowd of mourners from all walks of life who came to pay their final respects to a man described by many as a patriot, humble and committed public servant.
Yahaya, who suspended his official engagements in Abuja to personally attend the burial, described the late Col. Bello as an exemplary officer and a dependable member of the State Executive Council whose contributions to the peace and stability of Gombe State will never be forgotten.
Speaking to newsmen at the cemetery, the governor, in an emotion laden voice, said, “We have lost a fine officer, a patriot, and a loyal son of Gombe State who served this administration and our dear state with utmost dedication, courage and integrity.”
The governor continued saying, “His record of service, both in the Nigerian Army and in our government, speaks volumes. We however take solace in his sterling service to humanity and pray Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannat Firdaus.”
Yahaya extended his condolences to the bereaved family, members of the State Executive Council, and the entire Waja community, noting that the deceased also served as the National Chairman of the Waja Progressive Union (WAPU), where he championed unity and development among his people.
The atmosphere at the Emir’s Palace and the burial ground was heavy with emotion, as the late Commissioner, known for his calm demeanour, discipline and commitment to public service, was remembered by colleagues, friends, associates and family members as a selfless leader who gave his all for the peace and security of Gombe State.
Also laid to rest alongside the late Commissioner was his driver, Buhari Muhammad, who succumbed to injuries sustained in the same accident earlier in the morning. The police orderly, Sergeant Adamu Hussaini, who also died in the crash, was laid to rest in his home town, Gamawa in Bauchi State.
Dignitaries, who joined Governor Inuwa Yahaya at the Janazah, included the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Jatau, members of the National Assembly, Sen. Anthony Yaro and Hon. Ali Isa JC , the Speaker and members of the Gombe State House of Assembly, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, Head of Service, Commissioners, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, politicians, and senior government officials were in attendance.
The Emir of Gombe, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, led other traditional rulers, including the Mai Kaltungo, the Bala Waja, Nidu-Gra Cham, Emirs of Dukku, Yamaltu and Gona, and the Folo Dadiya, among others, all of whom expressed their condolences and eulogised the deceased as a man of honour and peace.
