Tragedy struck in Kaduna State on Thursday when Alhaji Rilwan Yahaya Pate, the Sarkin Yakin Zazzau and a district head in the Zazzau emirate council, collapsed during an occasion and later died at Gambo Sawaba General Hospital in Kofar Gayan, Zaria.
The incident occurred while he was attending a program alongside the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli. Abdullahi Aliyu Kwarbai, the Media and Publicity Officer of the Zazzau Emirate Council, confirmed the news in a statement expressing profound sadness over the loss.
“Alhaji Rilwanu Yahaya, who also served as Councillor in charge of Health Related Matters, passed away while attending a program alongside His Highness, the Emir of Zazzau,” the statement read.
The late Sarkin Yakin Zazzau was buried later that evening in Rimin Dodo.
In a condolence message, Emir Bamalli described the death as “the will of Allah,” emphasizing that death is inevitable. He praised the late Sarkin Yakin Zazzau as a hardworking and dedicated leader whose loss would leave a significant void.
The Emir offered prayers for the deceased, wishing for his soul to find eternal rest.