Borno State Government has confirmed the death of His Highness, the Shehu of Bama, Kyari Ibn Umar Elkanemi who passed on Monday afternoon in Maiduguri. He died in his mid-60s.
Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Babakura Abba Jato took advantage of a routine media briefing usually held daily by Borno’s high powered response team on prevention and control of COVID-19, to confirm the death to journalists.
Jato said the Shehu was known to have been battling with protracted illness as many people of his age, often deal with.
The Commissioner said the Shehu’s palace will announce funeral arrangements that will be communicated to members of the public.
Jato said the State Government stands with the Royal family and the people of Bama, the state’s council of chiefs and entire people of the state in this grieving period.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the passing of the Emir, describing him as “a humble and unassuming traditional ruler.”
The president’s condolence message was conveyed in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Monday.
The President said: “The demise of Kyari El-Kanemi is not only a loss to Borno State, but the country at large.
“The Emir was a champion of unity and peaceful coexistence, and the country will remember him for his commitment to its unity.”
According to the president, the late Emir of Bama had played his role well by identifying with the interest of his people at all times by being their voice.
President Buhari extended his condolences to the Shehu of Borno and the Borno State Government over the death.
