The Permanent Secretary in Bauchi State, Shehu Yahaya Jalam, has tragically passed away while participating in the Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, May 17, 2026, following a brief illness.
Details of the Incident
Jalam served as the Permanent Secretary for Special Services in the Office of the Secretary to the Bauchi State Government. He was part of the Bauchi State contingent that traveled to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise when he fell ill and subsequently died. The deceased also held the traditional title of Turakin Dawakin Misau.
Governor Bala Mohammed’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, confirmed the news in a statement released on Sunday. Gidado described Jalam’s death as a moment of profound sorrow for the state, noting that his contributions extended beyond government circles.
Condolences and Tributes
Gidado stated, “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.”
He further emphasized Jalam’s significant role in coordinating previous Hajj operations and other government assignments. The funeral prayer for Jalam was conducted on Sunday after the Zuhr prayer at the Holy Mosque of the Ka’aba in Makkah.
Governor Bala Mohammed extended his condolences to Jalam’s immediate family, the offices of the Secretary to the State Government and the Head of Civil Service, as well as the Misau and Dambam Emirate Councils, friends, and associates.
Related Incidents
This tragedy follows the death of a 73-year-old Nigerian pilgrim who died from cardiac arrest shortly after arriving for Hajj 2026. Additionally, a 75-year-old pilgrim named Adizatu Dazumi passed away after a brief illness, a day after performing Tawaaf. The chairman of the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board confirmed her death.
Saudi Arabia has also reduced Nigeria’s pilgrim quota, impacting applicants from Zamfara state. These incidents highlight the challenges faced by pilgrims during the Hajj season.
