The Emir of Zurmi in Zamfara State, Alhaji Bello Sulaiman, has passed away.
He died on Monday at the Federal Medical Centre in Gusau, according to a statement released on Tuesday.
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, said he was deeply saddened by the news. He described the monarch’s death as a major loss for the Zurmi Emirate and for the entire state.
Lawal praised Sulaiman’s service and said he made meaningful contributions during his reign. “He will be remembered for his service to his people, his contributions to the traditional institution, and his commitment to the peace and progress of our state,” the governor said.
On behalf of the government and people of Zamfara, Lawal extended condolences to the late Emir’s family, the Zurmi Emirate Council, and residents of Zurmi. He prayed that Almighty Allah forgives Sulaiman’s shortcomings, accepts his good deeds, grants him Aljannah Firdaus, and gives his loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
Sulaiman came to the throne after his predecessor, Abubakar Atiku, was deposed in 2022 over alleged links to banditry. In May 2024, bandits also attacked the Emir’s palace in Zurmi, where three officials were reportedly killed.
Sulaiman’s death marks another difficult moment for the Zurmi Emirate, which has faced repeated security challenges in recent years.
