Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, on July 25, 2025, expressed profound grief over the death of the Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello, describing it as a “monumental loss” to Zamfara State and the nation.
The emir, who passed away on July 24 at the age of 71 after a brief illness, was a revered traditional leader known for mediating between communities and armed groups in Zamfara, a state plagued by banditry. Matawalle, in a statement from his Abuja office, praised Bello’s 15-year reign for fostering peace and supporting government efforts against insecurity, noting his role in hosting reconciliation talks that reduced attacks in 2023.
Bello’s death, confirmed by the Gusau Emirate Council, occurred at a private hospital in Kano, where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment. His leadership saw the construction of schools and health centers, funded partly by local contributions, benefiting over 50,000 residents. Governor Dauda Lawal also mourned, ordering flags to fly at half-mast for seven days.
However, some locals question the sustainability of his peace initiatives, given the resurgence of banditry in 2025. Matawalle’s tribute underscores the emir’s legacy, but the narrative of loss is complicated by ongoing security challenges, with the state recording 120 deaths in June alone, per the Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency.