A district head in Kaduna State, identified as Alhaji Rilwan Yahaya Pate, has tragically passed away after collapsing at a public event on Thursday. The incident took place in Zaria, at the Gambo Sawaba General Hospital in Kofar Gayan, where Alhaji Rilwan was attending an official gathering alongside the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli.
Alhaji Rilwan Yahaya Pate, who held the title of Sarkin Yakin Zazzau, was an influential figure in the Zazzau Emirate Council. His sudden collapse came as a shock to those present at the event.
According to Abdullahi Aliyu Kwarbai, the Media and Publicity Officer for the Zazzau Emirate, the council announced the unfortunate passing of the Sarkin Yakin Zazzau with a heavy heart. The statement noted, “It is with great sadness that the Zazzau Emirate Council announces the passing of Sarkin Yakin Zazzau Alhaji Rilwanu Yahaya Pate, a Council Member of the Emirate.”
Alhaji Rilwan was also responsible for overseeing health-related matters as a Councillor, and his passing has left the community in mourning. He died while participating in a program at the Gambo Sawaba General Hospital in Zaria, alongside the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli.
The remains of the deceased monarch were laid to rest later that evening at the Rimin Dodo burial site in accordance with Islamic traditions. The funeral ceremony took place after the necessary rites were performed.
The Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, offered his condolences to the family of the late Sarkin Yakin Zazzau, describing his death as “the will of Allah.” The Emir reflected on the inevitability of death, stating, “death is inevitable and can come whenever Allah destined.” He also described the late Alhaji Rilwan as a hardworking, dedicated, and deeply religious individual whose loss would be profoundly felt. The Emir prayed for the deceased’s soul to find eternal peace.
