Al-Makura, Yahaya Bello, Natasha, Others Mourn Ex-Kogi Gov Idris

Former Governors of Nasarawa and Kogi State, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and Yahaya Bello, have mourned the passing of Abubakar Idris, a former Governor of Kogi State.

Al-Makura, who is the Chairman of the North Central States Elders Council, also expressed grief over the reported death of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, as well as the death of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, CON.

In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja and signed by the Chairman of the council, Senator Tanko Umaru Al-Makura, and the Director-General, Rt. Hon. Audu Sule Dikeson, the elders described the two incidents as significant losses to the North Central region.

The council extended its condolences to the affected families as well as the governments and people of Niger and Kogi states.

The elders expressed deep sorrow over the reported death of 37 persons, said to be mostly artisanal miners and internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the Wushishi-Lukoto axis, who reportedly died while in NSCDC custody in Minna.

In a separate condolence letter addressed to Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and the family of the late former governor, the council also mourned the death of Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, who served as governor of Kogi State from 2003 to 2012.

The council said it received the news of Idris’s death with deep shock, describing him as a father, an elder statesman, and a contributor to peace and unity in the North Central region.

The elders described Idris as a “detribalised Nigerian” and a “pillar of peace and unity in the North Central,” while commending his philanthropy and contributions to Kogi State’s development.

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has declared three days of mourning in honour of former governor of the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, who died in London, United Kingdom, on Sunday at the age of 77.

The governor, who expressed deep sorrow over the death of the former governor, directed that the national and Kogi State flags be flown at half-mast across government offices and other designated public institutions throughout the mourning period.

Ododo also announced that the late former governor would be accorded a state burial, with the state government taking responsibility for the burial expenses and making necessary arrangements to honour him as a former governor of the state.

The governor had earlier visited the residence of the deceased, where he commiserated with members of the Idris family.

In a condolence letter to the family, Ododo described Idris’s death as a profound loss to Kogi State and Nigeria, saying the state had lost an eminent son who devoted a significant part of his life to public service.

He noted that the administration of the late governor witnessed interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other critical sectors, adding that his contributions would remain part of the state’s developmental history.

According to Ododo, beyond the projects and policies associated with his administration, Idris would be remembered as a public servant who committed himself to the responsibilities entrusted to him by the people.

“His years in public office formed an important chapter in the political and developmental journey of Kogi State,” Ododo said.

He prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus and give the family and people of Kogi State the strength to bear the loss. Meanwhile, tributes have continued to pour in for the former governor, with politicians and groups across the state mourning his death.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Idris, describing him as a significant figure in the political history of Kogi State and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

She said his death was painful, particularly at a time when the state and the PDP family could have continued to benefit from his experience, wisdom and knowledge of the state’s political history.

Former chairman of Okene Local Government Area, Alhaji Yahaya Karaku, described Idris as a leader who adopted a common-sense approach to governance and left a record of impact in public service.

Similarly, former PDP governorship candidate, Engr Musa Wada, described the deceased as a unifier who brought people from the three senatorial districts together during his tenure.

Former governor of the state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Abdullahi Bello, also mourned Idris, describing him as a man who laid a solid foundation for the development and growth of Kogi State.

They recalled his kind-hearted disposition and contributions to the state’s development.

The Kogi State Disability Community also expressed grief over the death, saying the former governor would be greatly missed. In a condolence message signed by its chairman, Comrade Arome Ibrahim, the group said Idris gave voice to persons living with disabilities in the state and created opportunities for them to participate more meaningfully in society.

Also mourning the former governor was former Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka.

In a condolence message signed by his Head of Media and Public Communications, Prince Tijani Dauda, Ajaka described Idris’s death as a significant loss to his family and the people of Kogi State.

He said the former governor held an important place in the state’s political history, having served as governor for nearly nine years between 2003 and 2012.

“This is a painful loss, not only to his immediate family but to the people of Kogi State and everyone whose life he touched during his years of public service.

“His Excellency, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, served our state at the highest level and remained an important figure in the political history of Kogi State. His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in our state,” Ajaka said.

He extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, the people of Omala Local Government Area, the Igala Kingdom and the entire people of Kogi State.

Idris’s death was officially announced by his family on Sunday. In a statement signed by Hon Abubakar Ibrahim Idris on behalf of the family, the deceased was said to have passed away in London after a brief illness.

The family said the announcement was made with “total submission to the will of Almighty Allah (SWT),” adding that Idris’s years in public service were dedicated to Allah, humanity and the nation.

Born in 1949 in Idah, Kogi State, Idris began his primary education in Onitsha, Anambra State, before relocating to Kano, where he completed it. He later attended King’s Commercial College, Buguma, Rivers State, and obtained a Law degree from the University of Abuja.

Before venturing into politics, Idris established Ibro Trading Company, with interests in furniture manufacturing, construction and hospitality. He also established a furniture factory in Sokoto and the Ibro Hotel, among other business ventures.

He was elected governor of Kogi State in 2003 on the platform of the PDP and re-elected in 2007. His second-term election was later nullified by the courts, leading to a re-run election in March 2008, which he won.

He remained in office until January 2012 and was succeeded by Captain Idris Wada.

The family said arrangements for his funeral would be announced after his remains arrive in Nigeria, with the burial to be conducted in accordance with Islamic injunctions.

Idris is survived by his children, grandchildren and other relatives. The family expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the life of the former governor and appealed to Nigerians to remember him in their prayers.

The statement concluded with prayers for Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus and give the family the fortitude to bear the loss. “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un,” the family said.

Governor Radda Mourns Former Kogi Governor, Ibrahim Idris

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has expressed deep sadness over the demise of former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris.

Governor Radda described the late Idris as a seasoned politician, astute businessman, and elder statesman who contributed immensely to the development of Kogi State and Nigeria’s democracy.

A statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, noted that his tenure as one of the longest-serving governors of Kogi State left indelible marks on infrastructure, education, and institutional development.

Alhaji Idris, who served as Governor of Kogi State from 2003 to 2012, passed away today, Sunday, 20th September 2026, in the United Kingdom at the age of 77.

On behalf of the Government and good people of Katsina State, Governor Radda extends condolences to his Kogi State counterpart, His Excellency Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Government and people of Kogi State, and the immediate family of the deceased.

The Governor prayed that Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and give his family and the entire people of Kogi State the fortitude to bear the loss.