The Permanent Secretary for Special Services in the Office of the Secretary to the Bauchi State Government, Shehu Yahaya Jalam, has died in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, while participating in the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.

Jalam reportedly passed away in the early hours of Sunday after a brief illness. He was said to be part of the Bauchi State contingent to Saudi Arabia when he fell ill.

The deceased, who held the traditional title of Turakin Dawakin Misau, was described by the state government as a committed public servant with years of service to Bauchi State.

Confirming the development in a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Bala Mohammed, Mukhtar Gidado, the government expressed deep sorrow over the loss.

“The Government and people of Bauchi State have received with deep sorrow the news of the death of Alhaji Shehu Yahaya Jalam… who passed away in the early hours of today in Makkah… after a brief illness while participating in the 2026 Hajj exercise,” the statement read.

The government described the late permanent secretary as a dedicated, loyal and hardworking civil servant who contributed significantly to Hajj operations and other official assignments in the state.

“Until his death, Alhaji Shehu Yahaya Jalam was a dedicated, loyal, and hardworking public servant who devoted his life and energy to the service of Bauchi State,” the statement added.

It further noted that his death is a major loss to his family, colleagues, and the wider state civil service.

His funeral prayer was reportedly held on Sunday after the Zuhr prayer at the Holy Mosque in Makkah.

Governor Bala Mohammed, on behalf of the government and people of Bauchi State, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, the Head of Civil Service, and relevant emirate councils.

He prayed for Allah to forgive the deceased, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and comfort those he left behind.