The Permanent Secretary for Special Services in the Office of the Secretary to the Bauchi State Government, Shehu Yahaya Jalam, has died in Makkah while performing the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage. Jalam reportedly died on Sunday morning after a brief illness.
The death was confirmed in a statement issued by Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Bala Mohammed. The late official was part of the Bauchi State delegation that travelled to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj exercise. His death brings to five the number of Nigerian pilgrims who have died during the ongoing pilgrimage.
The Bauchi State Government described Jalam, who held the traditional title of Turakin Dawakin Misau, as a dedicated and loyal public servant. According to the statement, he played important roles in coordinating previous Hajj operations and other government assignments during his years in service.
Funeral prayers for the deceased were held on Sunday after Zuhr prayer at the Holy Mosque in Makkah. Governor Bala Mohammed extended condolences to the family of the deceased, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, the Head of Civil Service, and the Misau and Dambam Emirate Councils. The governor also prayed for Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.