Kaduna State Governor dies

CSW is saddened to learn of the death yesterday of Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa of Kaduna State in a helicopter crash.

Mervyn Thomas, Chief Executive of CSW UK said: “We are shocked and saddened by the sudden and tragic death of Governor Yakowa. We offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends, and to the people of Kaduna State, all of whom are in our thoughts and prayers”.

Governor Yakowa is reported to have lost his life when a navy helicopter in which he was travelling crashed in Bayelsa State. Also killed in the crash were former National Security Advisor General Andrew Owoye Azazi, Dauda Tsoho, Warrant officer Mohammed Kamal, and pilots Commander Murtala Mohammed Daba and Lt Adeyemi O Sowole.

In the first official confirmation of the fatalities the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) described Governor Yakowa as “a great patriot” who “rendered quality stewardship to his people”.

According to presidential spokesman Reuben Abati, President Goodluck Jonathan, who has ordered an investigation into the crash, said the deaths of Governor Yakowa and General Azazi were “an extremely painful loss to the entire nation.”

Governor Yakowa’s deputy, Alhaji Mukhtar Lamaran Yero, is being sworn in as governor today.

The Reverend Yunusa Nmadu, CEO of CSW Nigeria, said: “Governor Yakowa was a symbol of peace and reconciliation, a gentleman to the core. We are shaken to our very foundations, and are asking the Church worldwide for prayers for the families of all who lost their lives, for the peace of our state, and for the incoming governor.”

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Matthew Jones, Senior Advocate at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 20 8329 0063 / +44 7826 938 360 or email matthewjones@csw.org.uk.