Bauchi permanent secretary dies while performing Hajj

The Permanent Secretary for Special Services in the Office of the Secretary to the Bauchi State Government, Shehu Yahaya Jalam, has died in Makkah while performing the 2026 Hajj.

Jalam passed away in the early hours of Sunday after a brief illness.

He was part of the Bauchi State delegation that travelled to Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage when he reportedly fell ill.

The Bauchi State Government confirmed the development in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Bala Mohammed, Mukhtar Gidado, who described the incident as a moment of deep sorrow for the state.

According to the statement, the late official—who held the traditional title of Turakin Dawakin Misau—was a dedicated and loyal public servant who committed his life to the service of Bauchi State.

“He played significant roles in coordinating previous Hajj operations and other key government assignments,” the statement noted.

The government said his death represents a major loss not only to his family and colleagues but also to the wider community that benefited from his humility, commitment, and sense of duty.

Funeral prayers were held for him on Sunday after the Zuhr prayer at the Holy Mosque in Makkah.

Governor Mohammed, on behalf of the state, extended condolences to the deceased’s family, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, the Head of Civil Service, as well as the Misau and Dambam Emirate Councils.

He also prayed for the forgiveness of the deceased’s shortcomings and for God to grant him eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus, while asking for strength and comfort for those he left behind.