Former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Baba Tela, has been thrown into mourning following the death of two of his children, Mustapha and Ummi, in a road accident .
The siblings reportedly lost their lives on Saturday in a fatal crash along the Bauchi-Azare highway while travelling back from Azare.
Reacting to the incident, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed expressed deep grief over the tragedy, describing the deaths as a heartbreaking development that has plunged the state into mourning.
In a condolence message, the governor said the loss of the two children was a devastating tragedy for Senator Tela’s family and a painful moment for the people of Bauchi State.
He prayed for Almighty Allah (SWT) to grant the deceased eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus and to bless their parents, relatives, friends and loved ones with the strength and patience to cope with the loss.
Governor Mohammed also urged the bereaved family to remain steadfast in faith, noting that every soul will ultimately return to its Creator at the appointed time. He assured Senator Tela of the support, prayers and solidarity of the Bauchi State Government and its citizens during the difficult period.
According to a statement issued by the governor’s Media Adviser on Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, Governor Mohammed also sympathised with other victims of the accident and prayed for the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries.
He further appealed to residents of the state to remember the deceased in their prayers and to seek Allah’s comfort for the grieving family.
In a separate development, Governor Mohammed also mourned the passing of elder statesman, renowned educationist and former Bauchi State Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Yakubu Ibrahim Hamza, who died in Abuja after a prolonged illness.
Before his death, Hamza served as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Higher Education, a position in which he made significant contributions to the advancement of the education sector in the state.
The governor paid tribute to the late educationist, describing him as a dedicated public servant whose life reflected integrity, humility, selfless service and unwavering commitment to educational development.
He noted that Hamza played a key role in strengthening education in both the former Bauchi State and the present-day state, leaving behind a legacy that would continue to inspire generations.
In another condolence message signed by Mukhtar Gidado, Governor Mohammed recalled Hamza’s distinguished service both as Commissioner for Religious Affairs and later as Special Adviser on Higher Education, saying his experience, wisdom and commitment greatly enhanced government policies and programmes.
“Alhaji Yakubu Ibrahim Hamza was a committed patriot, respected educationist, mentor to many, and bridge-builder whose contributions to the educational and moral development of our society will remain indelible. His death is a painful loss not only to his immediate family but also to the Government and people of Bauchi State and the nation at large,” the governor said.
The governor prayed that Almighty Allah forgives the shortcomings of the deceased, grants him Aljannatul Firdaus and comforts his family, friends, associates and the people of Bauchi State.
The Bauchi State Government also conveyed its condolences to Hamza’s family and all those affected by his passing, describing his service and legacy as enduring.
