By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The city of Hadejia in Jigawa State was at a standstill on Saturday as Defense Minister Alhaji Muhammed Badaru Abubakar visited to offer condolences, drawing a large crowd that caused traffic delays lasting several hours. The former governor of Jigawa was in Hadejia to console the Emir of Hadejia, Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Maje, following the death of the Emir’s son, Umar Farouk Abubakar Maje.
The minister, accompanied by aides and supporters, arrived in Hadejia around noon and was met by a massive turnout of well-wishers. Crowds thronged the city gate and filled the streets leading to the Emir’s palace, causing a gridlock that turned what is normally a short drive into a three-hour journey.
Eyewitness Muhammad Garba Fantai told National Update, “The support for the minister was so overwhelming that a three-kilometer journey took several hours because of the large crowd.”
Once at the palace, Alhaji Muhammed Badaru Abubakar expressed deep condolences to the Emir, calling the loss of young Umar Farouk a significant one for the emirate and the state. “The passing of a youth like Farouk is a tragic loss. May Allah grant him Aljannat-ul-Firdaus,” he said solemnly.
In response, the Emir of Hadejia expressed his appreciation for the minister’s visit, especially considering his busy schedule. “Your presence here with such a strong delegation is a great honor to us during this difficult time. We are truly grateful,” the Emir stated.
The Defense Minister’s visit drew a high-profile delegation that included Jigawa State Deputy Governor Eng. Aminu Usman Gumel, APC State Chairman Aminu Sani Gumel, APC National Financial Secretary Bashir Usman, former Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Idris Garba Jahun, and several members of the state House of Assembly and local government officials.
After visiting the Emir, the minister and his team also stopped to offer condolences to former Senator Ubali Shitu over the recent death of his mother, Hajiya A’i Idris Magama, further underscoring the minister’s commitment to the people of Jigawa in their times of grief.
