Katsina Mourns With the Sarkin Maska: A Condolence Visit That Reflects Northern Nigeria's Tradition of Solidarity ‎

On Tuesday 6 October, a high-level delegation led by the Special Adviser to the President on Political and Other Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari, travelled to Funtua in Katsina State to condole with the Sarkin Maska and Hakimin Funtua, Alhaji Sambo Idris Sambo, over the death of his younger brother, Alhaji Yusif Idris Maska.

Mr Masari was accompanied by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Dr Muttaqha Rabe Darma, who is from Katsina State. The NEPAD Coordinator, Jabiru Salisu Stauri, Hon. Amiru Tukur Bakori and other dignitaries were also in the party.

Mr Masari conveyed the condolences of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the bereaved family and expressed his own sympathy and solidarity. Sheikh Ibrahim Lawal Usama, Sheikh Abu Ammar and Mallam Mai Wada Daudawa led prayers, asking Allah to forgive the deceased's shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and give the family the fortitude to bear the loss. The Sarkin Maska thanked Mr Masari, the delegation and the President for their prayers and support.

Why such visits matter
In the Hausa and Muslim communities of northern Nigeria, the ta'aziyya visit is a duty of community, not merely protocol. Showing up in person, sitting with the family and joining in prayer tells the bereaved they are not alone, and it reaffirms the bond between families, traditional institutions and government.

When a holder of a traditional title is bereaved, the presence of public officials also reflects the standing of that institution in people's daily lives. These gestures are remembered long after the formal mourning ends.

A reflection
Death is a reminder that every title and office is temporary. What lasts is the goodness a person did and the people he served. May Allah forgive Alhaji Yusif Idris Maska, accept his good deeds, shelter him in Jannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, the Sarkin Maska and the people of Funtua. Ameen.

Mustapha Bature Sallama
Medical/ Science Communicator,
Private Investigator, Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Analysis,

International Conflict Management and Peacebuilding. (USIP)

[email protected]
+233555275880

References
Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Political and Other Matters (Media Office), "Ibrahim Masari condoles Sarkin Maska over brother's death," Funtua, 6 October 2026 (press release supplied; signed by Ishaq Samaila).

Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, "New Housing Minister Darma Assumes Office, Promises Stakeholder Engagement, Open Door Policy": https://fmino.gov.ng/new-housing-minister-darma-assumes-office-promises-stakeholder-engagement-open-door-policy/