A district head in the Zazzau emirate council of Kaduna State collapsed at an event on Thursday and subsequently passed away at the Gambo Sawaba General Hospital in Kofar Gayan, Zaria.
The Sarkin Yakin Zazzau, Alhaji Rilwan Yahaya Pate, fainted while attending the occasion alongside the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli.
Abdullahi Aliyu Kwarbai, the Media and Publicity Officer of the Zazzau Emirate Council, confirmed the incident in a statement, saying, “It is with deep sadness that the Zazzau Emirate Council announces the passing of Sarkin Yakin Zazzau, Alhaji Rilwan Yahaya Pate, a distinguished member of the Council.
“Alhaji Rilwan Yahaya, who also served as the Councillor for Health-Related Matters, died while attending a programme with His Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, CFR, at Hajiya Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, Kofar Gayan, Zaria, this morning,” the statement continued.
The remains of the late Sarkin Yakin Zazzau, Alhaji Rilwan Yahaya Pate, were laid to rest at Rimin Dodo later that evening.
In his condolence message, the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, described the death as “the will of Allah,” affirming that “death is inevitable and can come at any moment determined by Allah.”
The Emir consoled the bereaved family, describing the late Sarkin Yakin Zazzau as hardworking, dedicated, and deeply religious, emphasising that his absence will be deeply felt.
He prayed for the deceased’s soul to find eternal rest.