The remains of late Umaru Shinkafi who died Wednesday afternoon were laid to rest at exactly 2.56pm on Friday at Hubbare, the burial site of Sokoto Caliphate’s pious and noble, in Sokoto after funeral prayers held at the Sultan Bello Mosque.
Dignitaries from all walks of life witnessed the event, which had in attendance politicians, businessmen, the clergy and members of the deceased’s primary constituency – the security services.
The Janaza prayer was led by Imam Malami Akwara, with Sultan of Sokoto, Abubakar Sa’ad leading the procession of 30,000 mourners who gathered to witness the event.
The Federal Government delegation to the burial was led by the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau, with Ministers of Justice, Abubakar Malami; Water Resources, Sulaiman Adamu); Aviation (State), Hadi Sirika; Defence, Mansur Dan Ali; Director General of State Security Services (SSS), Lawal Daura, and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, providing support.
Governors Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto, Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara, Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi, Kashim Shettima of Borno and Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State were also in attendance.
Also present were Deputy Governors of Zamfara and Kebbi States, Ibrahim Wakkala and Samaila Dabai respectively.
Members of the National Assembly who attended were Senators Aliyu Wamakko, Bala Ibn Na’allah, Tijjani Yahaya Kaura, Adamu Aliero, Hon Bala Hassan, among others.
Others include Generals Aliyu Gusau, Muhammadu Wushishi and Mamman Magoro. Emirs of Gwandu, Argungu, Anka, and Zurmi also paid their respects. Also at the mosque were formers governors of Sokoto and Zamfara, Malam Yahaya Abdulkarim and Mahmud Shinkafi, who is the deceased’s younger brother, Malam media mogul, Ismaila Isa Funtua and Inuwa Abdulkdir Esq.
Speaking when the FG delegation visited the Sultan at his place, Dambazau described Shinkafi as a statesman who served his nation diligently.
“He did his best for the country. We pray Allah to grant him jannat al firdaus,” the minister said.
Shinkafi’s body had arrived Sokoto Airport at 10.30am before it was conveyed to his residence at Alhassan Avenue in Sokoto GRA where family members paid respects.
