KADUNA State government, Saturday, officially announced the death of Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, just as the state was thrown into mourning.
In a statement by the secretary to the state government, Alhaji Samaila Lawal Abdullahi, "HE DIED IN A NAVY HELICOPTER ON HIS WAY TO PORT HACOURT FROM BAYELSA STATE."
Abdullahi said: "OTHER DETAILS and THE BURIAL ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER."
"MAY HIS GENTLE SOUL REST IN PERFECT PEACE, AMEN," he added.
As reports of the unfortunate crash of the helicopter carrying Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa of Kaduna State filtered into town yesterday evening, the entire state was thrown into confusion and mourning.
Many of the state government officials could not immediately respond to the sad development as they too were trying to get details of the crash.
Some of the late Governor's aides, including the Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Reuben Buhari, Media Consultant Mr. Ado Emmanuel and Protocol Officer, Alhaji Muhammed Lawal were seen making frantic effort on phones with Bayelsa State where the incident happened.
Buhari and Emamanuel said they had spoken to some of the officials who accompanied the Governor to Abuja before he embarked on the journey to Bayelsa, however, they could not get details of the crash.
News of the Governor's demise spread in Kaduna metropolis at about 7.30pm, as several people were seen along major roads and streets in groups, discussing the unfortunate incident.
Former Governor of old Kaduna State Balarabe Musa, while reacting to the unfortunate incident said, "it is an act of God," adding, "may his soul rest in peace."
The leader of the Civil Society Coalition in the North, Mallam Shehu Sani said in a statement that, "the reported air crash and the death of sir Patrick Yakowa is a great loss to the people of Kaduna State, the Northern Part of Nigeria and the entire nation."
Sani described Yakowa as "a patriot, a man of peace and a symbol of unity," while also pointing out that, "he was a great nationalist and a unifying personality."
"He is one of the best governors in the history of Nigeria. Patrick Yakowa is a towering figure and a colossus in the search for national unity. He is one of Nigeria's greats. He is an unusual politician. My sympathy and condolence to his family and the entire people of kaduna State. We have lost a giant dove and a towering olive."
Meanwhile, there was security beef up in the metropolis yesterday, as several armed security men were seen patrolling all nook and crannies. There was also unprecedented traffic jam on major roads and streets.
There was also security beef up at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim (Government) House, after the news of the Governor's demise.
The last public engagement of Late Yakowa was when he presented the 2013 budget before the state House of Assembly.
