The Emir of Zurmi in Zamfara State, Bello Suleiman, has died at the Federal Medical Centre in Gusau.
The traditional ruler reportedly died on Monday afternoon after spending about five years on the throne.
Suleiman became Emir of Zurmi following the removal of his predecessor and uncle, Abubakar Atiku, by the Zamfara State Government in 2021. Atiku was formally removed from the emirate in April 2022.
His removal occurred alongside that of the Emir of Dansadau, Hussaini Umar, amid allegations that both traditional rulers had links to bandit groups and were undermining security efforts in their respective areas. Both monarchs denied wrongdoing at the time.
Atiku later died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Egypt.
The late Bello Suleiman’s reign was marked by security challenges in Zurmi and surrounding communities.
One of the most serious incidents occurred in May 2024, when armed bandits reportedly attacked Zurmi and invaded the emir’s palace.
Three security personnel stationed at the palace gate were killed during the attack.
The attackers also reportedly abducted the emir’s chief, known as the Shamaki, Buhari Yusuf, alongside two other men identified as Aliyu Ahmed and Sa’idu Lawali.
During the attack, the assailants also vandalised a nearby MTN telecommunications station, disrupting communication services in the area and making it difficult for security agencies to coordinate a rapid response.
Residents subsequently alleged that the attack was partly connected to tensions involving Fulani communities and local vigilante groups. There were also claims that the emir himself was among the targets of the attackers.
Bello Suleiman’s death therefore comes after five years at the helm of an emirate that experienced significant political and security upheaval.
His emergence followed a controversial change in the traditional leadership of Zurmi, while his reign was later overshadowed by the 2024 attack on the emirate palace.
The palace is expected to announce further arrangements concerning the late emir’s burial and the succession process.
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