Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, on Saturday, led dignitaries, family members, and thousands of mourners to the burial of the late Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Col. Abdullahi Bello ().
Col. Bello died in a motor accident along the Malam Sidi–Gombe road on Friday.
The funeral prayer (Janazah), held at the Emir’s Palace in Gombe, drew an emotional crowd of sympathisers who paid their final respects to the late commissioner and his driver, Buhari Muhammad, both buried amidst tears and tributes.
Governor Yahaya, who suspended official engagements in Abuja to attend the burial, described Col. Bello as “a fine officer, a patriot, and a loyal son of Gombe State who served with courage and integrity.”
He added, “We take solace in his record of service to humanity. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannat Firdaus.”
The Governor extended condolences to the bereaved family, the State Executive Council, and the Waja community, noting that the deceased also served as National Chairman of the Waja Progressive Union (WAPU), promoting unity and development.
The atmosphere at the Emir’s Palace and the cemetery was sombre as colleagues, friends, and relatives eulogised the late commissioner for his humility, discipline, and commitment to public service.
The police orderly, Sgt Adamu Hussaini, who also died in the crash, was buried in his hometown, Gamawa, Bauchi State.
Among those present were the Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau; members of the National Assembly; the Speaker and members of the Gombe State House of Assembly; commissioners; traditional rulers; and other top officials.
The Emir of Gombe, Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, led other monarchs in offering prayers and condolences, describing the late Col. Bello as “a man of honour, discipline, and peace.”
The late commissioner died while returning from Maiduguri after attending a North-East regional consultation on the National Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration Programme.
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