Remains of late Emir of Zuru arrive from London, laid to rest amidst military honour
Major General Muhammad Sami (Rtd), the Emir of Zuru Emirate, who passed away last Saturday in a London hospital at the age of 81, has been laid to rest in his hometown of Zuru, Kebbi State.
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, led dignitaries that included the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, Senators from Kebbi State, and several other traditional rulers, government officials and members of the business community to pay their last respects to the late monarch.
The remains of the late Emir arrived at Zuru airstrip morning of Friday August 21, 2025 aboard aircraft 5N-DOY, alongside Idris, members of the Emir’s family and other sympathisers.
He was buried amidst full military honour as serving Generals of the Nigerian Army, who received his body from the aircraft at the airport, accorded him his deserving funeral respect including gun salutes at the grave site on Saturday August 22, 2025.
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi II, who led a high-powered delegation of traditional rulers, also arrived at noon, while Shettima’s aircraft, NAF 205, touched down at 1:58 pm.
Funeral prayers for the late Emir were conducted at the Zuru Central Mosque by the Chief Imam, Alhaji Suleiman Tanko, immediately after the Jumu’ah prayers. All major markets and shops in Zuru town were shut, while streets leading to the mosque overflowed with mourners.
The Emir was later buried at his personal residence in Zuru, in the presence of Vice President Shettima, Sultan Abubakar, Emir Sanusi, the Emir of Yauri, Emir of Gummi, Emir of Anka, Governor Idris, and retired military generals including Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau.
Speaking during a condolence visit to the Emir’s family, Shettima described the passing of the former Military Administrator of Bauchi State as a monumental loss to Nigeria.
“This is a sad day for the entire nation, for Kebbi State, and indeed for all Nigerians. I am here on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to convey his condolences to the Kebbi State Government, the people of Zuru Emirate, and Northern Nigeria on the demise of a man who dedicated his entire life to serving the nation in the pursuit of peace and unity”, Shetimma said.
He prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest and to give his family, the Zuru Emirate and Kebbi State the fortitude to bear the loss.
The late Emir is survived by four wives and seven children.
