Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has expressed condolences to his Bauchi State counterpart, Bala Mohammed, following the death of the Executive Secretary of the Bauchi State Health Contributory Management Agency, Alhaji Ibrahim Ladan Duguri, and four of his children in a fatal road accident.
Yahaya conveyed his condolences to the Bauchi State Government, the bereaved family and residents of the state, describing the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy that had claimed the lives of a public servant and four young members of his family.
The governor’s condolence message was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Director-General of Press Affairs at the Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli.
According to the statement, Yahaya said the tragedy was a devastating loss not only to the immediate family but also to the people of Bauchi State, particularly the health sector, where Duguri served as a senior public official.
The Gombe governor expressed sympathy with Bala Mohammed, the government and people of Bauchi State, as well as the immediate and extended families of the deceased.
He said the people of Gombe shared in the grief of their neighbours, adding that the tragedy had affected people beyond the boundaries of Bauchi State.
Yahaya said the loss of a public servant and four children in one incident was particularly painful, noting that the family would need prayers, encouragement and support as it confronts the difficult period.
He urged the bereaved family to draw strength from the support of relatives, friends, colleagues and well wishers who have expressed sympathy following the tragedy.
The governor also emphasised the importance of solidarity among neighbouring states during periods of mourning, saying that the people of Gombe stood with Bauchi State in its moment of grief.
“Our hearts are with the government and people of Bauchi State, particularly the bereaved family, as they grapple with this painful loss. The people of Gombe State join you in mourning Alhaji Ibrahim Duguri and his beloved children,” Yahaya said.
He prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive the shortcomings of the deceased and grant them Aljannat Firdaus, while also asking God to give their relatives the strength to endure the loss.
Yahaya further prayed for the speedy and complete recovery of Suleiman, the surviving son who reportedly sustained critical injuries in the accident.
The accident occurred on Saturday evening at Yalwan Duguri in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State. The children who died were identified as Hajara, Usman, Rukayya and Maryam.
The incident has brought renewed attention to the devastating consequences of road accidents on families and communities. Such tragedies often leave relatives facing emotional distress and uncertainty, particularly when several members of the same household are involved.
The loss has also affected colleagues within the Bauchi State public service, where Duguri served in a leadership position in the health sector.
As Executive Secretary of the Bauchi State Health Contributory Management Agency, Duguri was involved in the administration of the state’s health insurance programme, which seeks to improve access to healthcare services for eligible residents.
The agency plays a role in supporting efforts to reduce the financial burden of medical treatment and expand access to essential health services. His death is therefore being mourned by people who knew him personally and those who worked with him professionally.
Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed had earlier described Duguri’s death as a major loss to the state, particularly its health sector. He said the deceased contributed to efforts to improve access to healthcare services, especially for disadvantaged residents.
Mohammed also described Duguri as a close personal friend and classmate, highlighting the personal dimension of the loss beyond his official responsibilities.
The tragedy has drawn condolences from government officials and residents, with prayers offered for the deceased and support extended to the surviving family members. The family is also expected to receive continued support as it mourns the loss of five loved ones and hopes for the recovery of the surviving child.
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