The Permanent Secretary for Special Services in the Office of the Secretary to the Bauchi State Government, Shehu Yahaya Jalam, has died in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during the ongoing 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
Jalam reportedly passed away in the early hours of Sunday, May 17, 2026, after a brief illness while participating in the pilgrimage.
The late permanent secretary, who also held the traditional title of Turakin Dawakin Misau, was among the Bauchi State delegation to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj exercise before falling ill.
The Bauchi State Government confirmed the development in a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to Governor Bala Mohammed on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado.
“The Government and people of Bauchi State have received with deep sorrow the news of the death of Alhaji Shehu Yahaya Jalam (Turakin Dawakin Misau), the Permanent Secretary, Special Services, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Bauchi, who passed away in the early hours of today in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, after a brief illness while participating in the 2026 Hajj exercise,” the statement read.
Gidado described the deceased as a committed and experienced public servant who made valuable contributions to governance and Hajj operations in the state.
“Until his death, Alhaji Shehu Yahaya Jalam was a dedicated, loyal, and hardworking public servant who devoted his life and energy to the service of Bauchi State.
“He played significant roles in the successful coordination of previous Hajj operations and other government assignments entrusted to him,” he added.
The spokesman stated that Jalam would be remembered for his humility, commitment, and sense of duty.
“His passing is a great loss not only to his family and colleagues but also to the entire Bauchi State Government and the wider community who benefited from his commitment, humility, and sense of duty,” Gidado said.
According to the statement, funeral prayers for the deceased were held on Sunday after the Zuhr prayer at the Holy Mosque of the Ka’aba in Makkah.
Governor Bala Mohammed also extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, the Office of the Head of Civil Service, the Misau and Dambam Emirate Councils, as well as friends and associates of the late permanent secretary.
The governor prayed for Allah to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, while also asking God to comfort and strengthen his family during the difficult period.
