Emir of Kagara dies at 91

The Emir of Kagara in Rafi Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State, Alhaji Salihu Tanko, is dead.

Tanko, who died Tuesday, in Minna after a protracted illness, was born on April 5, 1930 in Tegina. He was survived by wives, children and grandchildren.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has sent condolences to the Royal Family, the government and people of Niger State on the demise of the Emir of Kagara.

President Buhari, in a statement issued yesterday, joined the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, as well as the people of Kagara emirate in mourning the passing of the first class Emir, who guided his community with dignity and dedication throughout his 30 years on the throne.

“The highly revered emir served the needs of his people and devoted his resources for their benefit and development.

“He will be missed by the nation and remembered for his wise counsel to successive administrations that benefited from his wealth of experience in leadership,” the President said.

He prayed Allah to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest in Jannatul Firdausi. In a statement yesterday, Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, described the death of the monarch as a colossal loss to the Kagara Emirate and the North Central states in general.

Bello said, “We have lost a First Class Emir, a member of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, an Octogenarian and an Elder Statesman whose wise counsel has been of immense value to this administration and those before it in the state.”

Also, the Secretary to the Government of Niger State (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, expressed grief and sadness over the death.

Matane described the late Emir of Kagara as a bridge-builder who promoted peace and unity not only in his domain but the state as a whole.

Janazah prayer was held in Kagara, the headquarters of Rafi LGA.