The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has expressed condolences to the Gumel Emirate, the government and people of Jigawa State following the death of the Emir, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammad Sani II.

Adeniyi was represented at the funeral prayer for the late traditional ruler at the Gumel Emirate Palace by the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Usman Adamu.

According to a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Tahir Balarabe, the funeral took place on Friday, 5 September 2026.

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Customs chief pays tribute to late Emir

Adamu conveyed Adeniyi’s condolences to the royal family, the Gumel Emirate and the people and government of Jigawa State.

He described the death of the Emir as a significant loss to Gumel, Jigawa and Nigeria, highlighting his years of service to his community.

“The death of His Royal Highness is a great loss to the Gumel Emirate, Jigawa State and indeed Nigeria.”

Adamu said the late Emir would be remembered for his commitment to peace and unity, as well as his concern for the welfare and development of his subjects.

He also acknowledged the traditional ruler’s support for the Nigeria Customs Service and other government agencies operating in the area.

“He was a respected traditional leader who dedicated many years to the service of his people, while consistently supporting the efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service and other agencies operating within his domain to safeguard our borders and promote legitimate trade.”

Adeniyi extends condolences to royal family

The Customs boss said the service shared in the grief of the Emir’s family and subjects.

“On behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the royal family, the people of Gumel and the government and people of Jigawa State.”

He prayed for the repose of the late Emir and strength for his family, subjects and other loved ones.

Dignitaries attend funeral

The funeral prayer attracted senior government officials, traditional rulers and thousands of mourners from within and outside Jigawa State.

Among those present were Vice-President Kashim Shettima, the governors of Jigawa and Kano states, royal fathers and other government officials.

The late Emir reportedly spent 46 years on the throne, making his reign one of the longest in the history of the Gumel Emirate.

His death marks the end of a long period of traditional leadership in the emirate and has drawn condolences from government officials and other stakeholders.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it will deploy security personnel around the First Niger Bridge and adjoining areas during a two-week emergency maintenance programme.

The Anambra State Command said officers would provide security from Monday, 7 September to Monday, 21 September 2026, when the bridge is expected to be temporarily closed for repair works.

The State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, disclosed the deployment on Sunday, 6 September, while reviewing the command’s operational plans at its headquarters in Awka.

Why the Niger Bridge closure matters

The First Niger Bridge is an important transport link connecting communities in south-eastern Nigeria with Asaba and other parts of Delta State.

Its temporary closure is expected to affect motorists and commuters travelling between the two regions, making traffic management and security around the construction area particularly important.

The NSCDC said its deployment is intended to protect the bridge, construction equipment and workers throughout the rehabilitation period.

“We have mobilized armed and unarmed officers to provide 24-hour security for the engineers, equipment, and the bridge infrastructure throughout the repair period.”

Commandant Maku said the corps would work with other security agencies to help ensure the repair operation proceeds without disruption.

Motorists advised to use Second Niger Bridge

According to the NSCDC, diversion routes have been mapped out in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works and other agencies.

Motorists have been advised to use the Second Niger Bridge route through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, throughout the closure period.

The command urged road users to follow traffic signs and cooperate with security and traffic officials as authorities manage the diversion.

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NSCDC warns against vandalism

The security agency also warned that people who attempt to vandalise government property or obstruct the contractor working on the bridge would face arrest.

“We urge residents and road users to remain patient and law-abiding. Anyone found vandalizing government property or obstructing the contractor handling the project, will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.”

The NSCDC said its personnel would remain deployed around the project area for the duration of the maintenance works.

What road users should know

For motorists planning to travel between Anambra and Delta during the closure, the key advice from the authorities is to:

– Allow additional travel time.

– Follow official diversion signs.

– Use the Second Niger Bridge route through Obosi towards Asaba.

– Follow instructions from security and traffic officials.

– Avoid stopping unnecessarily around the construction area.

– Report suspicious activity or attempts to damage infrastructure to the authorities.

The NSCDC said the security operation is part of its statutory responsibility to protect critical national, state and local government assets and infrastructure.

What’s next

The emergency maintenance programme is scheduled to run from 7 to 21 September 2026, according to the NSCDC.

Road users are expected to rely on the designated diversion routes while the repair work is underway.

The Olugbodi family of Ara Kingdom in Egbedore Local Government Area has announced the death of Mrs Grace Olabisi Olugbodi, a community matriarch and woman of faith, aged 83.

Her death occurred on 18 April 2026, exactly one week after the burial of her husband of over 65 years, the late J.O. Olugbodi.

Family members described the timing as poignant, reflecting a lifelong bond that endured beyond death.

A life of faith, resilience and family

Mrs Olugbodi, fondly referred to as “Extraordinary Grace”, was known for raising nine children, eight boys and one girl and supporting many others within and beyond her immediate family.

In a statement, the family said she lived “a life of hard work, fortitude and a strong mindset that would not back down in the face of life’s many challenges.”

They added that she was “a pillar of faith, love and grace,” whose life reflected deep Christian values and service.

Her influence extended beyond her household to church communities and social networks where she was described as a mentor, supporter and spiritual guide.

Family tribute

Her son, Dr Tunji Olugbodi, Executive Vice-Chairman of Verdant Zeal Marketing Communications Group, said her passing brought both grief and comfort.

“Though we mourn, we rejoice that she is now resting peacefully in the bosom of her Maker, reunited with her husband. She was indeed an extraordinary blessing.”

Why it matters

The passing of Mrs Olugbodi highlights the enduring role of matriarchs in Nigerian families and communities particularly in shaping values, faith, and resilience across generations.

Her life story reflects broader cultural themes of family unity, spirituality, and the significance of legacy in Nigerian society.

Funeral arrangements

The family has announced the following funeral programme:

Service of Songs and Tributes: Friday, 8 May 2026 at Union Baptist Church

Funeral Service and Interment: Saturday, 9 May 2026 at First Baptist Church Ara Kingdom at 11:00am

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, siblings, and extended family members.

What’s next

Family members say the ceremonies will celebrate her life and legacy, bringing together relatives, friends and members of the Christian community she served for decades.