The Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Muhammad Usman Ankwai, passed away on Monday night.
Ankwai, who represented Zuru Constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC), was elected Speaker at the inauguration of the 10th Assembly on June 8, 2023.
Details surrounding the circumstances of his death were not immediately disclosed at the time of filing this report, Daily Post reports.
His death has, however, triggered an outpouring of condolences from fellow lawmakers, political associates, and residents across Kebbi State, many of whom have described him as a dedicated public servant who contributed to legislative development in the state.
Further announcements regarding burial arrangements are expected to be made by his family soon.
Kebbi has faced a resurgent insecurity crisis lately.
The violence, which unfolded between Sunday night and early Monday, targeted settlements in the Gebbe District of Shanga Local Government Area.
Eyewitness accounts and local officials said the attackers stormed the communities under the cover of darkness, setting homes and other structures ablaze in what appeared to be a planned assault.
Security concerns have been heightened by reports that the assailants emerged from the Wawa Forest in neighbouring Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, a region often linked to armed groups operating along the interstate border.
Among the worst-hit communities are Kalkami, Tungar Bori, and Kawara. Residents described scenes of chaos as fires consumed buildings, forcing families to abandon their homes with little or no belongings.
