TheCable

The Kaduna state government has condoled with the family of Abba Kyari, former military governor of the north-central state, who died in Abuja on Sunday.

In a statement on Monday, Samuel Aruwan, media aide of Nasir el-Rufai, quoted the governor, as describing Kyari as a shining star of his generation.

“The Kaduna state government regrets to announce the death of Brig.-Gen. Abba Kyari, who was military governor of the state from 1967 to 1975,” the statement read.

“Governor Nasir El-Rufai has sent a message of condolence to the family of the elder statesman, who he recalled that earlier this year, he had the honour to visit and thank General Kyari for his service to the state.

“Kaduna state will miss his wise counsel. We note with gratitude that Allah blessed him to ripe old age. We pray Allah to grant him Aljannah Firdausi and uphold his family.”

Kyari was appointed military governor of the north-central state in 1967, and served in that capacity until 1975.

The north-central state was renamed Kaduna state in 1976, when the then 12 states in the country were expanded to 19.

Kaduna State was split into Kaduna and Katsina states in 1987.