Thousands of sympathisers gathered yesterday at the Katsina State metropolis for the Fidau prayers for the former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Muhammed Dikko Yusuf, who died last week in his Abuja residence.

People, who came from all walks of life, also included a Federal Government delegation, and several heads of security agencies or their representatives.

Chairman of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, State Security boss, Ita Ekpenyong, Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, Kano zone, Tambari Mohammed, retired senior security personnel, and state delegation members were in attendance.

The event saw a heavy security presence at the venue and major roads leading to the area.

Imam of the state metropolis’ Central Mosque, Mohammed Lawal, led the fidau prayer which held at the residence of the deceased.

President Goodluck Jonathan, former president Olusegun Obasanjo, president-elect Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President, David Mark and other prominent Nigerians had earlier issued condolence messages.

Key dignitaries including Emir of Kano, Mohammed Sanusi, Shiek Usman Dahiru Bauchi, and Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, among others, had personally visited the state earlier to express their sympathies.

The late MD Yusuf, 85, who was popularly referred to as Super Cop, was IGP from 1976 to 1979.

He is survived by a wife, children, and grand children.

*Adapted from Sunday Mirror. Photo shows Yusuf