Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has commiserated with the Bauchi State Government and the family of Ibrahim Ladan Duguri, the late Executive Secretary of the Bauchi State Health Contributory Management Agency, who died in a road accident alongside four of his children.
The accident occurred on Saturday evening at Yalwan Duguri in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The children who died in the crash were identified as Hajara, Usman, Rukayya and Maryam, while another son, Suleiman, survived but reportedly sustained critical injuries.
Yahaya’s condolence message was conveyed in a statement issued on Monday by the Director-General of Press Affairs at the Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli.
The governor described the incident as heartbreaking, noting that the loss of a father and four children was a devastating tragedy for the bereaved family and the people of Bauchi State.
On behalf of the government and people of Gombe State, Yahaya extended his condolences to his Bauchi counterpart, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, the state government, residents and 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 touched many hearts beyond Bauchi State.
“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. We pray that Almighty Allah grants the family the strength and fortitude to bear this devastating tragedy,” the governor said.
Yahaya prayed for Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased and grant them Aljannat Firdaus.
He also asked God to comfort their family, friends, colleagues and everyone affected by the tragedy.
The governor further prayed for the speedy and complete recovery of Suleiman, the surviving son who sustained injuries in the accident.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed had earlier described the deaths as a monumental loss to the state, particularly its health sector.
Mohammed praised Duguri’s dedication to public service and his contributions to improving access to healthcare, especially for residents with limited financial means.
He also recalled Duguri’s service with medical teams supporting pilgrimage exercises in Saudi Arabia, describing him as a dedicated public servant and a close personal friend and classmate.
The Bauchi governor expressed sympathy with the bereaved family and prayed for the deceased to be granted eternal rest.
The cause of the crash has not been established in the reports reviewed.
