Commissioner, police orderly die in auto crash

The Gombe State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Col. Abdullahi Bello (retd), died in a motor accident along the Malam Sidi–Gombe road on Friday.

According to a statement from the Director-General (Press Affairs), Government House Gombe, Ismaila Misilli, the commissioner was returning from Maiduguri, Borno State, where he attended the North-East Regional Consultation on the Development of a National Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration framework when the accident happened..

The crash also claimed the life of his police orderly, Sergeant Adamu Hussaini, while the commissioner’s driver sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment.

Reacting to the sad news, Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, expressed sorrow, describing the late commissioner as “a disciplined officer and dedicated public servant who brought his wealth of military experience, leadership, and patriotism into the service of Gombe State.”

The governor added, “Col. Abdullahi Bello (retd) will be remembered as a pillar of discipline, courage, and selfless service. He carried out his duties with unmatched diligence and a deep sense of responsibility.

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“His demise is a monumental loss not only to his family and our government but to Gombe State and Nigeria at large.”

Yahaya also recalled the deceased’s “impactful contributions in the State Executive Council, particularly in shaping policies on internal security, inter-agency collaboration, and community safety.”

“On behalf of the government and people of Gombe State, the governor extended condolences to the family of the deceased, his associates, and the Balanga Local Government community, praying Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannat Firdaus,” the statement added.

He also sympathised with the family of the late police orderly, Hussaini, describing both men as “patriots who died in active service to the state and the nation.”

Yahaya further prayed for the speedy recovery of the commissioner’s driver who survived the crash.