Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we shall return.
On Wednesday, 14 October 2026, Kaura lost one of its respected elders, Alhaji Saidu Muhammad Sani. His death is a painful loss to his family, relatives, friends, associates and the wider community. At a time like this, words are hardly enough to express the depth of our sorrow. Nevertheless, we accept the will of Almighty Allah, whose wisdom is beyond our understanding and whose mercy remains our greatest hope.
The loss of an elder is particularly painful because we lose not only someone dear to us but also a valuable link to our past. With the passing of Alhaji Saidu Muhammad Sani, Kaura has lost a man whose life connected generations and whose family history formed part of the community’s rich heritage.
Alhaji Saidu Muhammad Sani belonged to the Barebari ruling dynasty of Zazzau. He was a direct descendant of the second Fulani Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Yamusa, and a son of the late Dallatun Zazzau, Muhammadu Sani, popularly known as Dallatu Garnakaki. His ancestry connected him to an important chapter in the history of Zazzau.
Such a heritage is more than a matter of names and family background. It reminds us of the importance of understanding our history, preserving our traditions and passing valuable knowledge from one generation to another. His passing should therefore encourage us to appreciate our elders and learn from their experiences while we still have the opportunity.
The late Alhaji Saidu Muhammad Sani was also among the generation of civil servants who served Northern Nigeria and the former North Central State. His working life formed part of an important period in our administrative history. People of his generation witnessed significant changes and experiences that younger generations can better understand through their stories and personal accounts.
His death reminds us of the need to preserve the experiences and memories of our elders. Too often, we postpone important conversations, believing there will always be another opportunity to visit, listen and learn. Sadly, death reminds us that such opportunities do not last forever.
Beyond his public service, Alhaji Saidu Muhammad Sani was a respected businessman with international connections and recognition. His life brought together public service, business, family heritage and relationships that extended beyond his immediate community. His death is therefore a loss not only to Kaura but also to the many people elsewhere who knew him and valued their association with him.
Above all, this is a deeply personal loss for his family. His absence will be felt in the home, during family gatherings and in the everyday moments that bring back treasured memories. The people who shared their lives with him will continue to remember him in ways that words cannot fully express.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the Barebari dynasty, his relatives, friends, business associates and the people of Kaura and Zazzau. May Almighty Allah grant them the strength and patience to bear this painful loss. May they find comfort in their faith, support in one another and strength in the prayers of all those who share their grief.
His passing also offers an important lesson to those of us who remain. We should reflect on how we use the time Allah has given us, how we treat our families, how we respect our elders and how we contribute to our communities. We should also strive to settle disagreements, strengthen our relationships and leave behind a good legacy.
Whatever our family background, position, achievements or possessions, our earthly journey will one day come to an end. What matters is the life we live, the good we do and the mercy of Almighty Allah. One of the best ways to honour the memory of the deceased is to pray for them and allow their passing to remind us to live better lives.
Our prayers for the deceased
Ya Allah, forgive Your servant, Alhaji Saidu Muhammad Sani, and shower him with Your abundant mercy. Pardon his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him an honourable place in the Hereafter.
Ya Allah, make his grave spacious and fill it with light, peace and comfort. Protect him from the punishment of the grave and the punishment of the Fire. Make his reckoning easy and, by Your infinite mercy, admit him into Jannatul Firdaus.
Ya Allah, grant his family patience, strength and comfort during this difficult period. Ease their pain, preserve their unity, protect those he has left behind and surround them with people who will offer sincere support. Let his memory inspire prayers, gratitude and lasting good deeds.
Alhaji Saidu Muhammad Sani will be greatly missed. We honour his memory, recognise his place in our community and history, and entrust his soul to the mercy of Almighty Allah.
May Allah forgive him, have mercy upon him and make Jannatul Firdaus his final abode. Ameen.
Engr. Prof. Jibrin Mohammed Kaura
Dean, Faculty of Engineering
(An in-law)
