Tears flow as Bauchi Permanent Secretary dies during 2026 Hajj in Makkah

The Bauchi State Government has been thrown into mourning following the death of its Permanent Secretary for Special Services in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Shehu Yahaya Jalam, who passed away in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.

Jalam reportedly died in the early hours of Sunday after a brief illness while participating in the 2026 Hajj exercise as part of the Bauchi State contingent.

A statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Bala Mohammed, Mukhtar Gidado, confirmed the development, describing it as a painful loss to the state and the public service.

According to the statement, the deceased was a committed and hardworking civil servant who dedicated his career to the service of Bauchi State.

“Until his death, Alhaji Shehu Yahaya Jalam was a dedicated, loyal, and hardworking public servant who devoted his life and energy to the service of Bauchi State,” the statement read.

The government noted that Jalam played key roles in coordinating previous Hajj operations and other official assignments entrusted to him, describing his death as a significant blow not only to his immediate family but also to the state’s administrative structure.

“His passing is a great loss not only to his family and colleagues but also to the entire Bauchi State Government and the wider community,” the statement added.

His funeral prayer was conducted at the Holy Mosque in Makkah after the Zuhr prayer, in line with Islamic rites.

On behalf of the state government, Governor Bala Mohammed extended condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues, traditional institutions, and all those affected by the loss, praying for the repose of his soul and Allah’s mercy upon him.

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