Three Months After The Murder Of His Son, Seidu Namaska, Longest Northern Emir, Dies At 84

By Akinwale Kasali

The Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, and the people of the State have been thrown into mourning, following the passing of the Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora, Niger State, Alhaji Saidu Umaru Namaska.

The 84-year-old, who spent 47 years on the throne, died at an Abuja Hospital.

Though no official statement has been issued from the family and palace, but the news of his death have gone viral.

His death comes three months after bandits gunned down his son, Alhaji Bashar Saidu Namaska, during an attack on the Monarch’s farm.

His late Son was killed on the farm along Zuru road in Kontagora Local Government Area when the bandits struck.

Also, other people working with him were said to have been shot dead while an unspecified number of cows were rustled.

The Sarkin Sudan Kontagora was born in 1937 and ascended to the throne in 1974.

Until his demise, Sarkin Sudan Kontagora was the longest surviving traditional ruler in Northern Nigeria.

He joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1961 and later teamed up with the North-West Judicial Services as a Judicial officer.

In 1974, he was turbaned as the Sarkin Sudan Kontagora as the 6th Emir of Kontagora.