The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, on Thursday led a high-powered federal government delegation on a condolence visit to Katsina State over the death of two prominent indigenes of the state—renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Habibu Yahaya Kaura, and former Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Alhaji Lawal Bagiwa.
The two personalities died on Wednesday, January 20, 2026, and were buried in accordance with Islamic injunctions.
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Radda, received the delegation, which included the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma; the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni; Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabiru Masari.
The visit was disclosed in a statement issued to journalists in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, Malam Ismail Mudashir.
At the residence of the late Islamic cleric, Senator Barau conveyed the Federal Government’s heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, as well as the people and government of Katsina State.
He described Sheikh Kaura as a truthful and upright cleric who dedicated his life to serving Allah and humanity.
“This is a delegation of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, sent to convey his condolences over the passing of Sheikh Kaura,” Barau said.
“Mr President is fully aware of and deeply appreciates the late Sheikh’s immense contributions to the country. He has described his death as a great loss, not only to his immediate community but to the nation as a whole.”
Prayers were offered for Allah SWT to grant the late cleric Aljannatul Firdaus and to give his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.
The delegation also visited the residence of the late retired Customs officer and elder statesman, Alhaji Lawal Bagiwa, where they sympathised with his family, the government, and the people of Katsina State.
Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, Senator Barau described Alhaji Bagiwa as an accomplished public servant who served the nation with dedication and integrity, rising to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General in the Nigeria Customs Service.
Responding, Governor Radda expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and members of the delegation for the condolence visit.
“This gesture means a lot to us. On behalf of the government and people of Katsina State, as well as the families of the deceased, I sincerely thank Mr President and the entire delegation. It is a great honour which we deeply appreciate,” he said.
