KEY POINTS

• Shehu Yahaya Jalam died in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, after a brief illness while participating in the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
• The Bauchi State Government described him as a loyal and dedicated public servant who contributed significantly to state operations and Hajj coordination.
• Funeral prayers for the late official were held at the Holy Mosque of the Ka’aba, while Governor Bala Mohammed extended condolences to his family and associates.

The Bauchi State Government has been thrown into mourning following the death of Shehu Yahaya Jalam, the Permanent Secretary for Special Services in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

Jalam reportedly died in the early hours of Sunday in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, after a brief illness while participating in the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.

The late government official, who also held the traditional title of Turakin Dawakin Misau, was among the contingent of pilgrims from Bauchi State that travelled to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj exercise before he fell ill.

His death has sparked grief among government officials, colleagues and members of the Bauchi community.

In a statement issued by Mukhtar Gidado, spokesperson to Governor Bala Mohammed, the state government described the incident as a moment of deep sorrow.

“The Government and people of Bauchi State have received with deep sorrow the news of the death of Alhaji Shehu Yahaya Jalam,” the statement read.

According to the government, the deceased was known for his dedication, loyalty and commitment to public service throughout his career in the state civil service.

Gidado noted that Jalam played critical roles in coordinating previous Hajj operations and other important government assignments entrusted to him over the years.

“Until his death, Alhaji Shehu Yahaya Jalam was a dedicated, loyal, and hardworking public servant who devoted his life and energy to the service of Bauchi State,” the statement added.

Colleagues, Community Mourn Dedicated Public Servant

The Bauchi State Government said Jalam’s passing would be deeply felt not only within government circles but also among communities and individuals who benefitted from his service and leadership.

According to the statement, the deceased was widely respected for his humility, discipline and sense of duty.

“His passing is a great loss not only to his family and colleagues but also to the entire Bauchi State Government and the wider community, who benefited from his commitment, humility, and sense of duty,” Gidado stated.

The government extended condolences to the deceased’s family, friends and associates, including the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, the Office of the Head of Civil Service, and the Misau and Dambam Emirate Councils.

Funeral prayers for Shehu Yahaya Jalam were conducted on Sunday after the Zuhr prayer at the Holy Mosque of the Ka’aba in Makkah.

Governor Bala Mohammed prayed for Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.

The governor also prayed for strength and comfort for the bereaved family as they mourn the loss of the senior government official.

The incident adds to the emotional moments often experienced during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, where millions of Muslims from across the world gather in Saudi Arabia to perform religious rites.