Vice President Kashim Shettima joined thousands of mourners to pay their last respects and attend the funeral rites of the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman-Bauchi.

Mr Shettima and other prominent figures arrived at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi, at about 1:45 p.m.

The funeral was slated for 3:00 p.m. on Friday.

Mr Shettima was accompanied by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Information Minister Idris Mohammed, Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, Health Minister Muhammad Ali-Pate, and Senators Shehu Buba and AbulAziz Yari, among others.

They were received by Governor Bala Mohammed, his deputy, Auwal Jatau, and members of the state executive council.

Earlier, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Governors Abba Yusuf and Mohammed Bago of Kano and Niger arrived in the Bauchi metropolis for the funeral.

Others are former Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Yayale Ahmed, and Bala Wunti, former Chief Upstream Investment Officer of the NNPC Upstream Investment Services (NUIMS).

Usman-Bauchi, 98, died on Thursday at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBU–TH), Bauchi.

The revered scholar, also a recipient of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR), was regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential Islamic scholars and celebrated for his vast knowledge, spiritual guidance, and lifelong commitment to Islamic propagation.

Born in 1927 in Gombe, Usman-Bauchi devoted his life to advancing Islamic education, promoting peaceful coexistence, and fostering unity in the country.

He was also the supreme leader of the Tijjaniya in Nigeria, an Islamic Sufi group.

His teachings, focusing on moral discipline, tolerance, and adherence to Islamic principles, earned him mass followership and deep respect within and beyond Nigeria.

Mr Usman-Bauchi played a significant role in community development, mentorship of young scholars, and strengthening religious understanding.

(NAN)