Shock and Sorrow in the North as Sultan Declares: “We Have Lost a Giant”

The Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria (NTRCN), His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Emir of Gusau, His Royal Highness Dr. Ibrahim Bello, describing the monarch’s passing as a profound national and spiritual loss.

In a condolence statement made available through his media office and cited by iReporter Online, the Sultan extended heartfelt sympathies to the Government of Zamfara State, the Gusau Emirate, and the bereaved royal family. He lauded the late Emir as a dedicated custodian of tradition and a principled leader who championed peace, unity, and development throughout his reign.

“Dr. Ibrahim Bello was more than a monarch — he was a brother, a statesman, and a devout servant of his people,” the Sultan remarked, adding that the deceased played a pivotal role in promoting intergovernmental collaboration and the welfare of his subjects.

According to iReporter Online, the Sultan emphasized the Emir’s consistent support for initiatives aimed at fostering religious harmony and social cohesion. He described his death as a significant loss not only to the northern traditional institution but to Nigeria’s broader Islamic community.

While acknowledging the pain of the loss, the Sultan called for gratitude to Almighty Allah for the life the Emir lived, praying for divine mercy and eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus.

Dr. Ibrahim Bello passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2025, prompting an outpouring of grief across Zamfara and beyond. The Sultan’s tribute is among the many heartfelt messages from religious, political, and community leaders mourning the Emir’s demise and celebrating his enduring legacy.