The Bauchi State government has declared Friday work-free day to honour the revered Islamic scholar, Dahiru Usman-Bauchi who passed on Thursday even as the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of renowned Islamic scholar.
Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, to Gov. Bala Mohammed, on Thursday in Bauchi said the gesture would enable public and private sector workers, students and residents of the state, to participate in the funeral prayer and pay their last respect to the late scholar.
He said the funeral prayer is billed to hold on Friday by 3:00 p.m. at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi.
CAN, 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory described his death as a major spiritual and moral loss to the nation.
Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, according to family sources, died on Thursday, at the age of 98 years.
In a condolence message issued in Kaduna on Thursday, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph Hayab said the late scholar was one of the few clerics in the country whose teachings consistently promoted peace, humility and mutual respect across religious lines.
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Hayab added that Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi’s long life of service, particularly his commitment to Qur’anic education and moral discipline, shaped generations of students and contributed significantly to promoting social harmony in the North.
He stated that Northern CAN recognised the late scholar as a man who used his influence to encourage peaceful coexistence and discourage violence even during tense periods in the region.
The CAN leader said the death of Sheikh Bauchi should remind Nigerians of the urgent need to uphold the values he represented, especially at a time when the nation is confronted with religious divisions, political tension and rising insecurity.
Hayab added that Northern CAN would continue to support genuine efforts aimed at fostering unity and ensuring that both faith communities contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s stability and progress.
He emphasised that the most fitting tribute to the late cleric is for Nigerians to reaffirm their commitment to peace, tolerance and national cohesion.
Hayab extended its condolences to the deceased’s family, the Tijjaniyya movement, the Bauchi Emirate and the Muslim Ummah across the country.
He urged Muslim and Christian communities to see the moment as an opportunity to deepen interfaith dialogue and rebuild trust among different groups.
He prayed for God to comfort all who are grieving and grant the late scholar eternal rest.
Gov. Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State has expressed deep shock over the death of renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Director-General, Media and Publicity, Malam Abubakar Bawa, Aliyu described the late cleric as a devoted scholar who dedicated his entire life to Islamic knowledge and propagation, not only in Nigeria but across the globe.
The Governor said the passing of Sheikh Bauchi is a great loss not only to his family and the people of Bauchi state, but also to Nigeria and the Muslim world at large.
“Late Dahiru Bauchi sacrificed his lifetime to Islamic propagation, especially in promoting Qur’anic memorisation among children.
“He also made significant contributions toward strengthening Nigeria’s unity and promoting peaceful coexistence across the country,” Aliyu said.
He added that the death of the revered scholar has created a vacuum that will be difficult to fill, considering his decades of service to Islam and the Muslim Ummah.
Aliyu prayed to the Almighty Allah to forgive the late cleric, accept his good deeds, and grant him the highest place in Jannatul Firdaus.
He also prayed for comfort and strength for the bereaved family.
“On behalf of the government and people of Sokoto state, the governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Bauchi state, as well as the immediate family of the late scholar,” Aliyu added.
NAN
