Kaduna monarch slumps, dies at an event

Kaduna State was thrown into mourning on Thursday as Rilwan Pate, the Sarkin Yakin Zazzau, slumped and died while attending an occasion alongside Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, the Emir of Zazzau.

According to an eyewitness, Pate, who was also a Council Member of the Emirate and Councillor in charge of health-related matters, suddenly slumped during the event and was rushed to the Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, Kofar Gayan Zaria, where he was confirmed dead.

Abdullahi Aliyu Kwarbai, the Media and Publicity Officer of the Zazzau Emirate, confirmed the sad incident in a statement on Thursday.

The statement read: “It is with great sadness that the Zazzau Emirate Council announces the passing of Sarkin Yakin Zazzau Alhaji Rilwanu Yahaya Pate, a Council Member of the Emirate.

“Alhaji Rilwanu Yahaya, who also served as Councillor in charge of health-related matters, passed away while attending a program alongside His Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, CFR, at Hajiya Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, Kofan Gayan, Zaria this morning.”

The remains of the monarch have since been buried at Rimin Dodo according to Islamic rites.