Emir of Biu, Mai Umar Mustapha Aliyu dies after brief illness

Reports have emerged that the Emir of Biu in Borno state, Mai Umar Mustapha Aliyu has died after a brief illness.

The traditional ruler of Biu was reported to have died on Monday night, September 14, at the federal medical center in Gombe state.

The death of the emir was confirmed by his family who described his demise as a huge loss.

"We lost our father, a pillar to Biu Emirate and Borno entirely, the Emir of Biu.

"May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him the highest place in Jannatil Firdaus," a member of the family reportedly said while confirming the incident.

Alhaji Mai Umar Mustapha Aliyu ascended the throne in 1989. The Biu emirate is a traditional state-based in Biu in Borno state, Nigeria. Prior to 1920, it was referred to as the Biu kingdom.

In other news, following the incessant killings and kidnappings in the southern part of Kaduna state, the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council (NTRC) has said unemployment and the absence of cordial relations are contributing factors to the conflicts in the area.

The Emir of Gummi, Alhaji Lawal Hassan, disclosed this in a communiqué issued at the end of the executive committee meeting of the council, Channels TV reported.

According to the committee, the frequency of banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes is aggravated by the ever-increasing unemployment in Nigeria that also triggers drug abuse.