BREAKING: Two Kano State Lawmakers Die Within Minutes of Each Other,
The tragic news was confirmed by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Chief Press Secretary and official spokesman to Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf
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Kano State was thrown into deep mourning on Wednesday following the sudden and shocking deaths of two serving members of the Kano State House of Assembly, who reportedly passed away within minutes of each other.
The tragic development has left the state government, the legislature, political associates, and residents grappling with grief and unanswered questions.
The deceased lawmakers are Hon. Aminu Sa’adu, also known as Hon. Aminu Saad Ungogo, who represented the Ungoggo/Ungogo Constituency, and Hon. Sarki Aliyu Daneji, who represented the Kano Municipal Constituency. Both men were active members of the 10th Kano State House of Assembly and were considered influential voices within the legislature.
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According to multiple reports, Hon. Aminu Sa’adu died first, and news of Hon. Sarki Aliyu Daneji’s death followed shortly after—within minutes—making the incident even more distressing and unusual. As of the time of filing this report, the causes of death of the two lawmakers have not been officially disclosed by their families, the state government, or medical authorities.
The tragic news was confirmed by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Chief Press Secretary and official spokesman to Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf. In a post shared on his verified social media account, Dawakin Tofa announced the deaths using the Islamic condolence phrase, “Innalillahi Wa Inna Ilaihirrajiun” (Indeed, we belong to Allah and indeed to Him we shall return), a phrase traditionally used by Muslims upon hearing of a death. He first confirmed the passing of Hon. Aminu Sa’adu and moments later announced the death of Hon. Sarki Aliyu Daneji, underscoring the closeness in timing of the two tragic losses.
The sudden demise of the lawmakers has sent shockwaves across Kano State’s political landscape. Members of the Kano State House of Assembly were reportedly stunned by the news, as both men were said to have been active and engaged in legislative duties until recently. Colleagues described the incident as one of the darkest days in the history of the state assembly.
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Hon. Aminu Sa’adu, who represented the Ungoggo/Ungogo Constituency, was widely regarded as a grassroots politician with strong ties to his constituents. Known for his accessibility and community engagement, he was often praised for advocating issues related to social welfare, youth development, and infrastructure within his constituency. His death is seen as a significant loss not only to the Assembly but also to the people he represented.
Similarly, Hon. Sarki Aliyu Daneji, the lawmaker representing Kano Municipal Constituency, was a prominent political figure within the ancient city of Kano. He was known for his legislative experience and deep understanding of local governance issues affecting urban communities. His contributions to debates and committee work in the House earned him respect across party lines.
Political leaders, traditional rulers, and citizens across the state have begun pouring out tributes, describing the deaths as heartbreaking and difficult to comprehend. Many expressed disbelief that two sitting lawmakers could die almost simultaneously, calling it a profound tragedy for Kano State.
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Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who is currently overseeing several governance reforms in the state, is expected to formally address the issue and extend official condolences to the families of the deceased, the leadership of the House of Assembly, and the affected constituencies. Sources within Government House indicated that the governor was deeply saddened by the news and has been in close contact with Assembly leadership since the incident.
The Kano State House of Assembly is also expected to suspend plenary activities temporarily as a mark of respect, while arrangements are made for funeral rites in accordance with Islamic traditions. In Kano, prominent public office holders are often buried the same day or within 24 hours, following Islamic injunctions.
Beyond the emotional toll, the deaths raise immediate political and administrative implications. The passing of two lawmakers creates vacant seats in the Assembly, which will eventually necessitate by-elections in Ungoggo/Ungogo and Kano Municipal constituencies, subject to the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Until then, the affected constituencies will be without direct representation in the legislative chamber.
Residents of both constituencies have expressed sorrow and concern, with many gathering in homes, mosques, and community centers to offer prayers for the repose of the souls of the deceased. Social media platforms have also been flooded with condolence messages, prayers, and reflections on the fleeting nature of life.
As Kano State mourns, questions linger over the circumstances surrounding the deaths, especially given the closeness in timing. However, authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation and allow the families privacy during this period of grief.
For now, the focus remains on honoring the memories of Hon. Aminu Sa’adu and Hon. Sarki Aliyu Daneji—two public servants whose lives and careers were cut short in a manner that has left an indelible mark on Kano State’s political history.