Bauchi came to a standstill on Friday as mourners from across Nigeria gathered to bid farewell to prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman-Bauchi, who passed away on Thursday at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital.
In honour of the revered cleric, the Bauchi State Government declared Friday a work-free day, enabling residents to fully participate in the burial rites.
Thousands of followers, students, and admirers poured into the city, resulting in a significant security presence to control the swelling crowds and maintain order around major routes and the burial venue.
Family representative Maulud Dahiru Bauchi confirmed that the funeral prayer would take place at 3 pm, in accordance with the scholar’s written wishes. He also announced that the Grand Imam of Nigeria, Sheikh Sharif Saleh, would lead the prayer.
According to him, the ceremony is expected to draw an impressive lineup of dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, several state governors, traditional rulers, and religious leaders.
“The large turnout reflects the profound impact the late scholar had on religious life and moral guidance across the region,” he said.
Sheikh Dahiru Usman-Bauchi, widely respected for his scholarship and spiritual influence, leaves behind a legacy that continues to shape Islamic teachings and communal values in northern Nigeria.
