Bauchi Permanent Secretary Dies During 2026 Hajj In Saudi Arabia

The Permanent Secretary for Special Services in the Office of the Secretary to the Bauchi State Government, Alhaji Shehu Yahaya Jalam, has passed on in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, while undertaking the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.

Jalam, who held the traditional title of Turakin Dawakin Misau, reportedly died in the early hours of Sunday after a brief illness.

He was among officials in the Bauchi State contingent for the annual pilgrimage when he reportedly fell ill and later passed away.

The Bauchi State Government confirmed the development in a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to Governor Bala Mohammed on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, who described the incident as a painful loss to the state.

“The Government and people of Bauchi State have received with deep sorrow the news of the death of Alhaji Shehu Yahaya Jalam (Turakin Dawakin Misau), the Permanent Secretary, Special Services, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Bauchi, who passed away in the early hours of today in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, after a brief illness while participating in the 2026 Hajj exercise,” the statement read.

Gidado described the late permanent secretary as a dedicated and loyal public servant who committed himself to the service of Bauchi State throughout his career.

“Until his death, Alhaji Shehu Yahaya Jalam was a dedicated, loyal, and hardworking public servant who devoted his life and energy to the service of Bauchi State.

“He played significant roles in the successful coordination of previous Hajj operations and other government assignments entrusted to him,” he stated.

According to the governor’s spokesman, the deceased’s death would be deeply felt across government circles and beyond.

“His passing is a great loss not only to his family and colleagues but also to the entire Bauchi State Government and the wider community who benefited from his commitment, humility, and sense of duty,” Gidado added.

The funeral prayer for the deceased was held on Sunday after the Zuhr prayer at the Holy Mosque of the Ka’aba in Makkah.

Governor Bala Mohammed, on behalf of the government and people of Bauchi State, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, the Office of the Head of Civil Service, the Misau and Dambam Emirate Councils, as well as friends and associates of the late official.

The governor also prayed for Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and give his family the strength to bear the loss.