DUTSE, Nigeria (CHATNEWSTV) — Jigawa State Governor Mallam Umar Namadi is grappling with profound grief after losing two close family members within 24 hours.
The governor’s eldest son, Abdulwahab Umar Namadi, 24, died Thursday in a car accident along the Dutse-Kafin Hausa road. The tragedy struck just a day after the governor’s mother, Hajia Maryam Namadi, passed away on Christmas Day following a brief illness.
“With a heavy heart and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, His Excellency Mallam Umar Namadi, Governor of Jigawa State, announces the passing of yet another member of his family; his dear son Abdulwahab Umar Namadi,” said Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, the governor’s chief press secretary, in a statement Thursday. “He departed this world this afternoon as a result of a ghastly motor accident along Dutse-Kafin-Hausa Road.”
Abdulwahab was the sole fatality in the crash, while a friend traveling with him sustained injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment. The young man, described as vibrant and full of promise, is survived by his parents and several siblings. His burial will take place Friday in Kafin Hausa town in line with Islamic traditions.
The governor’s mother, Hajia Maryam Namadi, passed away on December 25 at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano State. She was laid to rest the same day, also in accordance with Islamic customs.
The dual losses have plunged the Namadi family and Jigawa State into mourning, with condolence messages pouring in from across the country.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar joined others in expressing his sympathies, sharing a heartfelt message on X:
“I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your eldest son, Abdulwahab, barely 24 hours after the passing of your beloved mother, Hajiya Maryam Namadi,” Abubakar wrote in a post addressed to Governor Namadi.
“The twin tragedies — the loss of a mother and your first fruit — is heartbreaking. The pain of losing a child — especially one as promising and beloved as Abdulwahab — is a grief no parent should ever have to endure.
“Equally, your mother, as the matriarch of your family, must have been a source of wisdom, strength, and love. Losing her creates an irreplaceable void. I pray that the legacy of her virtues brings you solace.
“As you navigate this dark and challenging time, may Almighty Allah, in His infinite mercy, grant you and your family the strength to bear these losses. May He welcome their souls into Aljannah Firdaus and surround your family with His divine comfort and peace.
“You are not alone in your grief, my dear brother. My thoughts and prayers and those of my family are with you and all yours in this moment of grief.”
Editor: Gabriel Ani
