Mahmud Abubakar, the Sonfada Etsu Nupe, is dead, throwing the Nupe Kingdom and parts of Niger State into mourning.
Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has commiserated with the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, over the passing of the revered traditional titleholder.
In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor described the death as a significant loss.
Bago said the demise of the Sonfada Etsu Nupe was a “colossal loss” not only to the Nupe Kingdom but to Niger State as a whole.
The governor extended his sympathies to the Bida Emirate and the immediate family of the deceased during this period of grief.
He also offered prayers for the repose of the late royal figure, asking Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljanat Firdaus.
The deceased, Sonfada Etsu Nupe, Mahmud Abubakar
Bago recalled the contributions of the late Sonfada to the development of the Nupe Kingdom and Niger State, noting that his legacy would not be forgotten.
“The farmer governor recalls the numerous contributions made by the late Sonfada in the development of the Nupe Kingdom and the State in general and adds that, his efforts will always be acknowledged and re-echoed for many years to come,” the statement read.
The governor urged the family and associates of the deceased to remain steadfast in prayers for his soul and to emulate his virtues.
“He prays that the immediate family of late Alh. Mahmud will continue to be steadfast in praying for the repose of his soul even as he urges them to emulate his good deeds in serving humanity,” The Cable shared the Governor’s remark.
The death of the Sonfada Etsu Nupe marks the end of an era for the Nupe Kingdom, where he was widely regarded as a key figure in traditional leadership and community development.