The Bauchi State Government has been thrown into mourning following the death of the Permanent Secretary for Special Services in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Shehu Yahaya Jalam, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
Jalam, who also held the traditional title of Turakin Dawakin Misau, reportedly died in the early hours of Sunday after a brief illness while participating in the holy pilgrimage alongside the Bauchi State contingent.
Confirming the incident in a statement issued on Sunday, the Special Adviser to Governor Bala Mohammed on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, described the development as a painful loss to the state.
“The Government and people of Bauchi State have received with deep sorrow the news of the death of Alhaji Shehu Yahaya Jalam (Turakin Dawakin Misau), the Permanent Secretary, Special Services, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Bauchi, who passed away in the early hours of today in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, after a brief illness while participating in the 2026 Hajj exercise,” the statement said.
Gidado praised the deceased for his dedication and commitment to public service, noting that he served the state diligently until his death.
“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.
“He played significant roles in the successful coordination of previous Hajj operations and other government assignments entrusted to him,” he said.
The government spokesman further stated that Jalam’s death would be deeply felt across the state and beyond.
“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 who benefited from his commitment, humility, and sense of duty,” Gidado said.
According to the statement, funeral prayers for the late permanent secretary were held on Sunday after the Zuhr prayer at the Holy Mosque of the Ka’aba in Makkah.
Governor Bala Mohammed, on behalf of the Bauchi State Government and its people, extended condolences to the deceased’s family, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, the Office of the Head of Civil Service, the Misau and Dambam Emirate Councils, as well as friends and associates of the late official.
The governor also prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and give his loved ones the strength to bear the painful loss.
