Sambo’s brother dies in road crash
Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo’s younger brother, Captain Yusuf Sabo Sambo, died yesterday morning in a road crash along the Abuja Airport Road.
A statement yesterday by the vice president’s spokesman Umar Sani said the 58-year-old pilot was on his way to the Abuja Airport when the incident happened.
The statement said the deceased was a qualified pilot who had worked with the defunct Nigerian Airways and the presidential air fleet before his retirement.
He was buried yesterday at the Apo cemetery in accordance with Islamic rites.
Those present at the burial included former heads of state, Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar.
President Goodluck Jonathan, accompanied by his wife Patience and other top government officials, was at the Aguda House residence of the vice president to condole with him over the incident.
Jonathan expressed shock over the incident and prayed God give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
The president, who described the crash as an extremely sad event, said the deceased was also his own younger brother, adding that he died when his contributions to the nation were needed most.
Jonathan also commiserated with the government and people of Kaduna State over the incident.
Also present at the vice president’s residence were Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar, FCT Minister Bala Mohammed, Minister of Special Duties Kabiru Turaki and many others.
The deceased is survived by his wife, three daughters and 10 siblings.
Senate President David Mark, also commiserated with Vice President Namadi Sambo over the death of his younger brother Capt Sabo Sambo yesterday.
In a statement issued by his spokesman Paul Mumeh the Senate President was deeply touched by the news of the deceased and condoled with the vice president and his family.