The Permanent Secretary for Special Services in the Office of the Secretary to the Bauchi State Government, Shehu Yahaya Jalam, has died in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, while performing the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
Jalam, who held the traditional title of Turakin Dawakin Misau, passed away in the early hours of Sunday, May 17, following a brief illness during the holy pilgrimage.
He was part of the Bauchi State delegation to Saudi Arabia when he fell ill and later died.
The state government confirmed the development in a statement issued by Governor Bala Mohammed’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, describing the incident 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 described the late official as a loyal and committed public servant who dedicated his career to state service.
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“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.
He added that the loss extends beyond government circles to the wider community that benefited from his service.
“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.
The funeral prayer for the deceased was held on Sunday after the Zuhr prayer at the Holy Mosque in Makkah.
Governor Bala Mohammed, on behalf of the state government, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, as well as the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, the Head of Civil Service, the Misau and Dambam Emirate Councils, friends, and associates.
He also prayed for Allah to forgive the late official’s shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, while asking for strength for his family to bear the loss.