Governor Yahaya Leads Mourners as Late Gombe Commissioner Abdullahi Bello Is Laid to Rest
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, on Saturday, led government officials, family members, and sympathisers to the funeral prayer of the late Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Colonel Abdullahi Bello (retd.), who died in a motor accident along the Malam Sidi–Gombe road.
The funeral prayer, held at the Emir’s Palace in Gombe, drew a large crowd of mourners from across the state and beyond, as tributes poured in for the late commissioner, remembered as a patriotic, humble, and selfless public servant.
Bello, a retired military officer, lost his life in a car crash on Friday while returning from Maiduguri, Borno State, where he attended the North-East Regional Consultation on the Development of a National Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration Programme.
Governor Yahaya, who cut short his official engagements in Abuja to attend the burial, described Bello as “an exemplary officer and a dependable member of the State Executive Council” whose legacy of service would remain indelible in the state’s history.
Speaking to journalists at the burial site, Yahaya said, “We have lost a fine officer, a patriot, and a loyal son of Gombe State who served this administration and our dear state with utmost dedication, courage and integrity.
His record of service, both in the Nigerian Army and in our government, speaks volumes. We, however, take solace in his sterling service to humanity and pray Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannat Firdaus.”
The governor extended condolences to Bello’s family, members of the State Executive Council, and the Waja community, noting that the deceased also served as the National Chairman of the Waja Progressive Union, where he championed unity and development among his people.
The Emir’s Palace and the Gombe cemetery were enveloped in grief as colleagues, friends, and family members recalled Bello’s dedication to peace and security in the state.
Also buried alongside the late commissioner was his driver, Buhari Muhammad, who died from injuries sustained in the same accident.
The police orderly, Sergeant Adamu Hussaini, who was also involved in the crash, was laid to rest in his hometown, Gamawa, Bauchi State.
