Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, has mourned the death of a renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman-Bauchi.

This is contained in a condolence message by Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, on Thursday in Bauchi.

Usman-Bauchi, 98, died in the early hours of Thursday at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBU – TH), Bauchi.

The governor extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased scholar, his followers, students and the Muslim community across Nigeria and beyond.

“It is with deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss that the Bauchi State Government announces the death of renowned and revered Islamic scholar, teacher, and spiritual leader, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, who returned to his Creator in the early hours of today.

“Through his numerous schools and learning centres, he nurtured thousands of students, who went on to memorise the Qur’an and spread Islamic knowledge across the African continent,” Mohammed was quoted as saying in the statement.

He described the late cleric as a towering figure in Islamic scholarship, a man of deep faith, humility and wisdom.

The governor said that Usman-Bauchi devoted his lifetime to the propagation of Islam, the teaching of the Holy Qur’an, moral and spiritual upliftment of humanity.

Mohammed said that the late scholar’s contributions to theology, Islamic jurisprudence and history have left an indelible mark on the intellectual and spiritual landscape of the society.

“He was not only a custodian of religious knowledge but also a unifying voice for peace, tolerance, and understanding among Muslims and people of other faiths.

“As we mourn this monumental loss, we take solace in the fact that Sheikh Dahiru-Bauchi lived a life fully dedicated to the service of Allah, humanity and knowledge.

“His legacy will continue to illuminate the path of generations to come.”

Mohammed prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and for Allah to grant the family and Muslims fortitude to bear the loss.

He said the state government would honour his memory by supporting institutions, particularly in the area of Islamic education, moral discipline and community development.