Deputy Governor of Borno State, Zannah Umar Mustapha, has died in Yola, the Adamawa State capital.
Though no ailment was reported, the state government, which expressed “shock and disbelief” at the deputy governor’s death, said Mustapha was in Yola to represent the state government at the convocation of the Modibbo Adama University of Science and Technology, Yola.
A statement by the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Alhaji Usman Shuwa, on Saturday, added that the deceased was also scheduled to visit Borno State indigenes, who are quartered in the Internally Displaced Persons camps in Yola.
The statement by Shuwa read, “It is with deep sense of utter shock and disbelief but with complete submission to the will of the Almighty Allah that the Borno State Government hereby announces the passing away of His Excellency, Alhaji Zannah Umar Mustapha, the Deputy Governor of Borno State.
“He died in his sleep this morning(Saturday) in Yola, Adamawa State, where he was to represent Borno State Government at the convocation ceremony of Modibbo Adama University of Science and Technology, Yola.
“He was also scheduled to follow up on his earlier visit to Yola, in connection with the welfare of Borno State citizens internally displaced as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency.
“His is remains would be brought to Maiduguri for funeral at the Government House, Maiduguri at 4pm today, Saturday, August 15, 2015. He will be buried in Maiduguri.
“His Excellency, Kashim Shettima, the Governor of Borno State, expresses his heartfelt condolence to the family of the deputy governor and the entire people of Borno State for the irreparable loss and appealed for prayers for the repose of the soul of our late deputy governor.”