A traditional leader, the Yarima of Gombe, Abdulkadir Abubakar Umar, is dead.
Alhaji Umar who was also the district head of Gombe died on Tuesday evening after a brief illness. Funeral prayer was held for him on Wednesday at the palace of the emir of Gombe.
The state governor Inuwa Yahaya joined thousands of sympathisers to attend the funeral prayers of the deceased.
In his condolence message, the governor said the late traditional leader lived a life of selfless service and offered counsel and fatherly guidance for the peace, unity, growth and development of the state in particular and Nigeria in general.
“Today, a giant tree has fallen in Gombe State. We have lost a rare gem, a humble and dedicated leader who was highly cherished by the entire people of the State.
“This is a personal loss to me. Yarima was a father and worthy leader who was ever-supportive and who spared nothing to ensure unity, peace and harmony among the people.
“The late Yarima was a highly respected leader, who was a symbol of inspiration to the people, and who left behind a huge vacuum and indelible footprints. We will surely miss his fatherly guidance and counsel,” the governor said.
