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Fourth Republic Governors Who Died While In Office

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By Abbas Yushau Yusuf

When Nigeria’s fourth republic was inaugurated by General Abdulsalami Abubakar on May 29th, 1999, 36 state governors were inaugurated.

It’s now 24 years since the beginning of the Republic, marking the longest-serving democracy without military intervention.

NIGERIAN TRACKER learned that apart from President Umaru Musa Yaradua, who joined his predecessors that died in office like Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, General Aguiyi Ironsi, General Murtala Muhammad,General Sani Abacha, there are civilian governors who also died while serving their terms of office, including some military governors.

In the fourth republic, the following governors died in office:

Governor Mamman Bello Ali Of Yobe State:

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Senator Mamman Bello Ali died in the United States of America on January 26, 2009, when he was about to clock two years in office. His generation of governors was elected in 2007. By then, the late President Umaru Musa Yaradua was on vacation. Then-acting President Goodluck Jonathan ordered the immediate swearing-in of Late Mamman Ali’s Deputy, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, who completed Mamman’s tenure and served another two terms. He ruled Yobe State for 10 years from 2009 to 2019.

Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Of Kaduna State:

Patrick Yakowa was sworn in as Governor of Kaduna state on May 18, 2010, following the nomination of Governor Namadi Sambo of Kaduna state to fill in the vacuum left by President Goodluck Jonathan as Vice President due to the death of President Umaru Musa Yaradua. On December 15, 2012, Governor Patrick Yakowa and former National Security Adviser General Owoye Andrew Azazi died in a chopper crash on their way to Port Harcourt after attending funeral prayers in Bayelsa state. Yakowa was the second governor to die in office in the fourth Republic.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu Of Ondo State:

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, who succeeded Olusegun Mimiko, completed his tenure in 2017 and has been fighting leukemia. Ondo State is one of the Nigerian states that are undergoing off-season elections. Today, December 27, 2027, Nigerians woke up to the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in a Lagos hospital. He was supposed to complete his tenure in the year 2025. NIGERIAN TRACKER reports that with the death of Governor Akeredolu of Ondo State, the number of Nigerian governors who died in the fourth republic while serving their terms of office is now three.

Late Mamman Ali of Yobe State on January 26, 2009, Late Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa of Kaduna state on December 15, 2012, and now Late Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on December 27, 2023.

 

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Tragedy In Kano :Mother and Her Six Children Brutally Murdered 

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Kano State Police Command has launched an investigation into the killing of a 35-year-old woman, Fatima Abubakar, and her six children, following a deadly attack on their residence in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters of Kano metropolis.

The incident was confirmed in a press release issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa

According to the statement, the Command received a distress call at about 12:10 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, reporting a brutal attack on the household of one Haruna Bashir.

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“The victims, Fatima Abubakar (35) and her six children, were attacked by unknown hoodlums who broke into their house,” the police said.

“The report indicated that the victims were attacked with dangerous weapons, resulting in fatal injuries,” the statement added.

Following the report, the Commissioner of Police immediately ordered the deployment of officers to the scene.

“CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori immediately mobilized a police team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Lawal Isah Mani, to the scene,” the police said.

The bodies of the victims were evacuated to the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, where they were confirmed dead.

The Command further stated that a team from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been directed to carry out a thorough investigation.

“A team led by ACP Wada Jarma, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department, has been instructed to conduct a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the statement noted.

The Kano State Police Command expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, residents of Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters, and the people of Kano State over the tragic incident.

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CAN Mourns Heroic Imam Who Sheltered Christians During Plateau Attack

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has extended its condolences on the passing of Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, a prominent religious leader in Plateau State, who died at the age of 90.

In a statement released in Abuja on Saturday, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh praised the late Imam as a “shining example” of interfaith harmony, whose legacy of courage and compassion would endure.

Imam Abdullahi gained international acclaim in 2018 for his heroic actions during violent attacks on communities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State. At great personal risk, he sheltered and saved the lives of 262 Christians in his home and mosque.

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Archbishop Okoh highlighted the Imam’s “rare moral bravery,” noting that his decision to protect innocent lives powerfully transcended religious divides and affirmed the sacredness of human life above all else.

“His actions served as a vital bridge in a nation often strained by religious suspicion,” Okoh stated. “He demonstrated that peace is achievable through conscience and love, embodying the core values of faith, compassion, and selflessness.”

The CAN President described Imam Abdullahi’s story as an enduring “blueprint for future generations,” surpassing physical honors in its lasting impact. He urged the government and the public to uphold the Imam’s sacrifice as a rallying point for building a more peaceful Nigeria.

Okoh also encouraged continued engagement with the Imam’s family and sustained public recognition of his heroism to inspire unity and mutual respect across the nation.

“As we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life truly well lived. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, his community, and all who were moved by his extraordinary example,” Okoh added.

It is noteworthy that the Federal Government had previously honored Imam Abubakar Abdullahi with the Order of the Niger (OON) in recognition of his dedicated efforts toward promoting peaceful coexistence.

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Nigeria Secures Record Ninth AFCON Bronze After Dramatic Penalty Shootout Win Over Egypt

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have clinched the bronze medal at AFCON 2025, defeating Egypt 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a tense and goalless regulation match.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero, making two crucial saves in the shootout to deny Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. Ademola Lookman sealed the victory with a calm final penalty, providing consolation after Nigeria’s semi-final defeat by the same method.

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In a match between two sides reshuffled after semi-final losses, Nigeria started without key attackers Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi. The first half’s major incident saw a Paul Onuachu goal disallowed by VAR for a foul in the buildup, for which he also received a yellow card.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with both teams showing effort but lacking a decisive final touch. Nigeria’s best chance came from a tame Raphael Onyedika effort from distance.

The victory marks Nigeria’s first penalty shootout win in three attempts at the tournament and extends their record to a ninth AFCON bronze medal.

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