By Abdulwahab Muhammad.
GOMBE, October 19, 2026 — It was a day of grief and solemn reflection in Gombe State on Monday as two prominent families were thrown into mourning following the deaths of respected Islamic scholar, Sheikh Saidu Muhammad Rabiu, and Alhaji Nasiru Dankwambo, brother of former Gombe State Governor and Senator representing Gombe North, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, expressed profound sadness over the two deaths, describing the losses as painful moments for the bereaved families, the Muslim community and the people of Gombe State.
The Governor, who personally attended the funeral prayer of Sheikh Saidu Muhammad Rabiu, Chief Imam of the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah wa Iqamatissunnah (JIBWIS) Juma’at Mosque No. 1, Sagon Goro, also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to former Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo over the passing of his brother, Alhaji Nasiru Dankwambo, earlier in the day.
In a demonstration of solidarity with the Muslim community, Governor Inuwa Yahaya led a high-powered delegation to the funeral prayer of the late Islamic scholar at the JIBWIS Mosque in Gombe.
The delegation included the Gombe State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna; the Chief of Staff, Abubakar Inuwa Kari; and other senior government functionaries.
The Governor joined Islamic scholars, religious leaders, family members and sympathisers who gathered to offer prayers for the departed cleric.
Paying tribute to Sheikh Saidu Muhammad Rabiu, Governor Inuwa Yahaya described him as a highly respected Islamic scholar, a devoted servant of Almighty Allah and a committed preacher whose lifetime was dedicated to spreading Islamic knowledge and promoting the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
He acknowledged the late cleric’s humility, commitment to Islamic scholarship and dedication to providing spiritual guidance to the Muslim faithful through his sermons and teachings.
According to the Governor, Sheikh Rabiu’s death represents a significant loss not only to the JIBWIS congregation in Gombe but also to the wider Muslim Ummah, which benefited from his religious leadership and contributions to Islamic education.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya extended his condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the National Leader of JIBWIS, Ash-Sheikh Muhammad Sani Yahaya Jingir, the state leadership of the organisation and members of the Muslim community.
He prayed Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the late Chief Imam, accept his good deeds, reward his lifelong service to Islam and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
GOVERNOR COMMISERATES WITH FORMER GOVERNOR DANKWAMBO OVER BROTHER’S DEATH
Meanwhile, Governor Inuwa Yahaya also expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Alhaji Nasiru Dankwambo, brother of former Governor of Gombe State and serving Senator representing Gombe North, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo.
The Governor described the death as a painful family tragedy, acknowledging the emotional burden associated with losing a loved one.
He noted that the passing of a family member leaves a painful vacuum, particularly among close relatives, friends and associates who shared cherished moments with the deceased.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya extended his heartfelt sympathy to Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, the entire Dankwambo family and all those affected by the bereavement.
He urged the family to remain steadfast in faith and draw consolation from the enduring values, memories and relationships left behind by the deceased.
The Governor further encouraged the bereaved family to accept the loss with patience and submission to the will of Almighty Allah, reminding them that death is an inevitable reality of human existence.
He prayed Allah to forgive the shortcomings of Alhaji Nasiru Dankwambo, grant him eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus and give Senator Dankwambo and the entire family the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.
A DAY OF MOURNING AND REFLECTION IN GOMBE
The two deaths, announced on the same day, have brought moments of sorrow to different sections of Gombe society, particularly the Islamic religious community and the family of one of the state’s former governors.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s condolence messages underscored the importance of compassion, solidarity and shared humanity during periods of bereavement.
His participation in the funeral prayer of Sheikh Saidu Muhammad Rabiu and his expression of sympathy to Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo also highlighted the significance of standing with families in difficult moments, irrespective of political affiliations or social standing.
As the bereaved families mourn their loved ones, the Governor called for prayers and spiritual support, expressing hope that Almighty Allah would grant the departed eternal peace and comfort those they left behind.
The passing of Sheikh Saidu Muhammad Rabiu and Alhaji Nasiru Dankwambo serves as a solemn reminder of the transient nature of life and the enduring importance of faith, service to humanity and compassion.
May Almighty Allah forgive their shortcomings, accept their good deeds, grant them Aljannatul Firdaus and strengthen their families during this difficult period. Ameen.
Published by Alphapressmedia.com
