The Chairman of Zaki Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Mallam Masud Aliyu Umar, has died in a road accident while returning from a political meeting in Bauchi, barely three months after assuming office.
Umar reportedly died on Sunday evening when the vehicle conveying him crashed at Konkiyal village in Darazo Local Government Area. He was said to be travelling back to Zaki after attending a stakeholders’ meeting of the Allied Peoples Movement held earlier in the day in Bauchi.
The late chairman was among the 20 local government chairmen elected in the state on August 17, 2026. Before his election, he served as Director-General of the Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency.
Governor Bala Mohammed expressed grief over Umar’s death, describing the incident as a painful loss to the state and its people.
In a condolence statement issued by his media aide, Mukhtar Gidado, the governor extended sympathies to the deceased’s family, the people of Zaki, the Katagum Emirate Council, the state chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria and his political associates.
Mohammed described Umar as a committed public servant and grassroots politician whose contributions to humanitarian services and community development would be remembered.
The governor recalled his tenure at the State Emergency Management Agency, saying he played an active role in disaster response and efforts to assist residents affected by emergencies across the state.
He added that Umar had continued to pursue grassroots development as council chairman, with particular attention to youth and women empowerment, improved livelihoods and inclusive governance.
Mohammed said the chairman’s short time in office would not diminish the impact of his service, adding that his death had deprived Bauchi of an experienced administrator. He prayed for Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
The governor announced that the funeral prayer would hold at 2pm on Monday, November 2, at the Palace of the District Head in Mur Mur, Zaki Local Government Area.
