A Bauchi State Government official, Alhaji Shehu Yahaya Jalam, has died in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, while participating in the 2026 Hajj exercise.

Jalam, who until his death served as Permanent Secretary, Special Services, Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), reportedly died in the early hours of Sunday after a brief illness.

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, described the death as a huge loss to the state government, his family, and the wider community.

The governor’s reaction was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, titled: “Governor Bala Mohammed Mourns the Passing of Alh. Shehu Yahaya Jalam in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

According to the statement, the deceased was a committed and hardworking public servant who dedicated his life 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.

Governor Mohammed said his death was a painful loss to the Bauchi State Government and all those who benefited from his humility, dedication, and sense of duty.

The statement further disclosed that funeral prayers for the deceased would be conducted after the Zuhur prayer at the Holy Mosque of the Ka’aba in Makkah.

The governor 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 permanent secretary.

He also prayed for Allah’s forgiveness for the deceased and asked God to grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.

Armstrong Bakaam