Ustaz Shuaibu Ismail, the Chairman of Jama’atul Izalatul Bid’a Waikamatul Sunna, Nasarawa State chapter, is dead.
He was aged 67.
The deceased’s eldest son, Abdullahi Ismail, told newsmen in Lafia on Wednesday that his father died at about11.30pm on Tuesday at the Dalhatu Arah Specialist Hospital, Lafia, after a brief illness.
Ismail said the late Islamic cleric returned to the country from Saudi Arabia after performing this year’s pilgrimage on Monday.
He added that the cleric complained of not being well after leading last night’s congregation prayer.
Ismail, who left four wives and 15 children, had already been buried in Lafia according to Islamic rites.
The Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura; the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Suleiman Dikko; the Emir of Kwandare, Alhaji Ahmadu Al-makura; and Islamic scholars, were among others who witnessed the burial.
Reacting to the death, Al-Makura described the deceased as man of exemplary character, humble, respectful and devoted and dedicated to the propagation of Islam.
The governor said: “Ustaz Shuaibu Ismail was a highly trustworthy person who contributed immensely to Islam; the people of Nasarawa State and the country at large will miss him.
“The deceased showed love to his people, irrespective of tribe, religious inclination and was a father who had the interest of the people at heart above any other thing.
“The death of the cleric, who was also a promoter of peace, is heart breaking, painful but God gives life and takes it at will.”
Al-Makura called on the people of the state to pray for the family of the deceased and the Izala group.
He prayed to God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest and grant his family and the Izala group the fortitude to bear the loss.