The Kano State House of Assembly was on Wednesday plunged into deep mourning following the death of two serving lawmakers in a single day, an unprecedented tragedy that has sent shockwaves across the state’s political landscape and beyond.
The deceased legislators are Hon. Aminu Saad Ungogo, who represented the Ungogo State Constituency, and Hon. Sarki Aliyu Daneji, the lawmaker representing the Kano Municipal State Constituency. Their near simultaneous deaths have left colleagues, government officials, party leaders, and constituents grappling with grief and disbelief.
The first death was that of Hon. Aminu Saad Ungogo, whose passing was announced in the early hours of Wednesday. The news was made public by the Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on Information, Ibrahim Adam, through a post on his verified Facebook page.
“May Allah forgive Hon. Aminu Saad Ungogo, state assembly member representing Ungogo Constituency of Kano State,” Adam wrote, confirming the loss and offering prayers for the repose of the lawmaker’s soul.
The announcement immediately triggered an outpouring of condolences from fellow lawmakers, political associates, and residents of Ungogo constituency, many of whom described Hon. Ungogo as a committed legislator and a dedicated representative of his people.
Barely an hour after the news of Hon. Ungogo’s death broke, the Kano State Government confirmed the passing of another serving member of the House. The death of Hon. Sarki Aliyu Daneji was disclosed by the Director of Media and Public Relations at the Kano Government House, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
In a Facebook post announcing the tragic development, Dawakin Tofa wrote, “Innalillahi wa inna ilaihirrajiun. Hon. Sarki Aliyu Daneji, member representing Kano Municipal at the Kano State House of Assembly, died today, an hour after the death of his counterpart.”
The confirmation of the second death, coming so soon after the first, deepened the sense of shock and sorrow across the state. Many observers described the incident as a dark and painful day in the history of the Kano State House of Assembly.
As news of the twin losses spread, condolences poured in from across Kano State and other parts of the country. Lawmakers at both the state and federal levels, members of the executive arm of government, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society groups expressed sympathy with the families of the deceased and the people of their respective constituencies.
Within the Assembly complex, the atmosphere was described as sombre, with legislators struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of two colleagues in quick succession. Several members were said to have suspended official engagements as a mark of respect and mourning.
Hon. Aminu Saad Ungogo, until his death, represented the Ungogo State Constituency, an area that includes both urban and semi urban communities. During his time in the Assembly, he was regarded as an accessible lawmaker who maintained close ties with his constituents. Colleagues recall him as a calm and principled legislator who actively participated in debates and committee work.
Similarly, Hon. Sarki Aliyu Daneji, who represented the Kano Municipal State Constituency, was considered an influential figure in the Assembly. His constituency, located in the heart of Kano metropolis, is one of the most politically active areas in the state. Daneji was known for his vocal contributions on issues affecting urban development, infrastructure, and social welfare.
As of the time of filing this report, details surrounding the circumstances of both lawmakers’ deaths had not been officially disclosed. The absence of clear information has further heightened public concern and speculation, although government officials have urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified reports.
Neither the Kano State Government nor the leadership of the House of Assembly had issued a detailed statement explaining the cause of death of either legislator at press time. Funeral arrangements and official burial plans were also yet to be announced, in line with Islamic rites and consultations with the families of the deceased.
Political analysts note that the deaths will have significant implications for the Kano State House of Assembly, particularly in terms of representation and legislative balance. By law, bye elections will eventually be required to fill the vacant seats in Ungogo and Kano Municipal constituencies, once the appropriate processes are initiated by the relevant electoral authorities.
Beyond legislative implications, the loss has been described as a major blow to democratic representation in the affected constituencies. Residents of Ungogo and Kano Municipal have taken to social media and community platforms to express grief, describing the lawmakers as voices that understood local challenges and advocated for grassroots development.
Religious leaders in Kano have also offered prayers for the deceased, urging citizens to reflect on the transient nature of life and the importance of service to humanity. Special prayer sessions were reportedly held in some mosques across the state in honour of the departed lawmakers.
The Kano State House of Assembly leadership is expected to issue an official statement in the coming days, outlining the institution’s position and announcing any formal mourning activities, including possible suspension of plenary sessions in honour of the deceased members.
For many in Kano, the deaths of Hon. Aminu Saad Ungogo and Hon. Sarki Aliyu Daneji within hours of each other will remain a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the heavy toll such losses take on governance and public service.
As the state mourns, attention now turns to supporting the bereaved families and ensuring continuity of representation for the people of Ungogo and Kano Municipal constituencies, even as Kano records one of the most tragic days in the history of its legislative assembly.
