Nigerian Top Official Dies in Mecca During Hajj, Details Emerge

The Permanent Secretary, Special Services, in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of the Bauchi State Government, Shehu Yahaya Jalam, has died in Saudi Arabia, as reported by Naija News.

According to Naija News, Jalam died on Saturday after a brief illness in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, while participating in the 2026 Muslim pilgrimage.

Reacting, the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, described the death of the top government official, who is also the Turakin Dawakin Misau Emirate Council of Bauchi, as a painful and irreparable loss.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Mukhtar Gidado, Governor Muhammad described the late Jalam as a loyal, dedicated and hardworking public servant, who gave his all for the development of Bauchi State.

The Governor emphasized the critical roles the late Permanent Secretary had played over the years in the successful coordination of Hajj operations as well as other important government assignments given to him.

According to Governor Mohammed,the demise of Jalam remains a huge loss to the family, relations, friends, associates, as well as the Government of Bauchi State.

The Governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, relations, friends, the office of the SSG, the office of the Head of Service, and the Misau and Dambam Emirate Councils.

The funeral ceremony for the deceased will be conducted at the Holy Mosque of Ka’aba, Mecca, Saudi Arabia.