The Chairman of Zaki Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Mallam Masud Aliyu Umar, has died following a fatal road accident while returning from a political meeting in Bauchi.

Umar reportedly died on Sunday evening after the vehicle conveying him was involved in an accident at Konkiyal village in Darazo Local Government Area of the state.

His death comes less than three months after he was elected chairman of the local government.

The late chairman was said to be returning to Zaki after attending a stakeholders’ meeting of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) held in Bauchi earlier in the day.

The meeting was reportedly convened to discuss party matters and other political developments in the state.

However, the journey back to his local government ended in tragedy following the accident.

His death has thrown the people of Zaki Local Government Area into mourning, with the development also attracting condolences from political leaders and government officials across Bauchi State.

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has expressed sadness over the incident, describing the death as a painful loss to the state.

The governor’s reaction was contained in a condolence message issued by his media aide, Mukhtar Gidado.

He extended his sympathies to the deceased’s immediate family, the people of Zaki, the Katagum Emirate Council and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Bauchi State chapter.

Mohammed also condoled with Umar’s friends, political associates and colleagues, noting that his contributions to public service and community development would remain significant.

The governor described the late chairman as a committed grassroots politician, a dedicated public servant and a compassionate leader who served the state in different capacities.

He recalled Umar’s previous appointment as Director-General of the Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), where he played a role in coordinating emergency responses and humanitarian interventions.

According to the governor, Umar demonstrated commitment to supporting vulnerable residents and communities affected by disasters and other emergencies during his time at the agency.

“His tenure at SEMA was characterised by dedication to alleviating the sufferings of vulnerable citizens and providing timely interventions to communities affected by emergencies and other humanitarian challenges,” he said.

Mohammed further noted that Umar carried the same commitment into his administration as chairman of Zaki Local Government Area.

He said the deceased had shown interest in improving the living conditions of residents, particularly women and young people.

His administration also focused on initiatives aimed at economic empowerment, improved livelihoods and inclusive development.

Although Umar spent only a short period as chairman, the governor said his commitment to public service and accessibility to the people had already distinguished him.

Mohammed described his death as a major setback for the local government administration and the entire state, adding that Bauchi had lost a public servant whose experience and dedication would have continued to benefit its people.

The governor also acknowledged the impact of the tragedy on the deceased’s family and the communities he served.

He urged those affected to remain strong and seek comfort in Almighty Allah.

He prayed that Allah would forgive Umar’s shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.

The governor also announced arrangements for the burial, stating that the funeral prayer would hold on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

The prayer is scheduled to take place at the Palace of the District Head, Mur Mur, in Zaki Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

“May the Almighty Allah grant his soul eternal rest and give all those he left behind the fortitude to bear this great loss,” the governor prayed.

Umar’s death has also brought attention to his relatively short period in office. He was elected chairman of Zaki Local Government Area on August 17, 2026, alongside the chairpersons of the other 19 local government areas in Bauchi State.

His election followed the local government elections conducted across the state, which produced new leadership for the 20 council areas.

Before entering local government politics as an elected chairman, Umar had served as Director-General of the Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency.

The position placed him at the centre of the state’s emergency response and humanitarian activities.

His experience in public administration and grassroots engagement formed part of his record before assuming leadership of Zaki Local Government Area.

The late chairman is survived by family members, friends and political associates who are now left to mourn his sudden death.