The Kaduna State Government has formally announced the death of General Abubakar Tanko Ayuba, a former military governor of the state.

Ayuba, who served as a Senator representing Kebbi South Senatorial zone in 1990-1992, died on Wednesday at the age of 71 at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), after a protracted illness. He has been buried on Thursday at his residence in Dirin Daji, Sakaba Local Government in Zuru Emirate of Kebbi State, with full military honours.

A statement on Thursday by Samuel Aruwan, Special Assistant to Governor Nasiru El-Rufai on Media and Publicity, said the Government of Kaduna State has been notified of the death of General Abubakar Tanko Ayuba.

The statement said: “As a colonel in the Nigerian Army, Ayuba served as military governor of Kaduna State from August 1990 until January 1992. He handed over to an elected governor, Alhaji Mohammed Dabo Lere.

“General Ayuba, in his time as military governor of Kaduna State, was a hard working and dedicated leader who pursued peace and development.

“He was just and fair, and was accessible to all communities in the state. In this moment of sadness, we remember and salute his service to Kaduna State.”

The Governor prayed Allah to grant Ayuba Aljanna Firdausi, and to bestow on his family the fortitude to cope with the loss.

The Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has also been mourning Ayuba. Its Chairman, Garba Muhammad, said in a statement that the council would continue to remember Ayuba among the past governors who contributed to the development of journalism in state.

“We extend our sincere condolense to the Kaduna State Government, Kebbi State Government, the Emir of Zuru, Gen. Muhammadu Sani Sami II, his nephew, Senate Deputy Leader Bala Ibn Na’Allah, as well as the National Assembly on his demise,” the statement said.

The late Ayuba is survived by his wife and many children, among whom is Rakiya Ayuba, the Kebbi State Commissioner for Justice.

•Photo shows the body of former Kaduna State Military Governor, Brigadier General Tanko Ayuba, being conveyed by soldiers for burial in his residence in Sakaba, Zuru Emirate of Kebbi State. Photo: Garba Ahmed.

Update news