Tragedy struck the Kano State Government and its media community following the death of Malam Sadiq Gentle, a Senior Special Reporter to the Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, attached to the Ministry of History and Culture. Sadiq succumbed to severe injuries sustained during a brutal machete assault by suspected hoodlums at his residence.
The incident occurred days before he passed away in the early hours of Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano, where he had been receiving treatment since the attack.
Reacting to the heartbreaking development, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf condemned the killing in the strongest terms, describing it as “heinous, barbaric, and utterly unacceptable.” He directed security agencies to immediately launch a full investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for the deadly assault.
In a condolence message released through his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor mourned the loss, calling Sadiq Gentle “a dedicated and patriotic social media professional” whose untimely and violent death has cast a heavy shadow over the government and the broader media landscape in the state.
“The news of the death of Malam Sadiq Gentle hit me with deep sadness and anguish,” Governor Yusuf said. “He was not only a devoted public servant but also a man of peace and integrity. He served Kano State with unwavering commitment and loyalty.”
Describing the murder as a grave injustice and a challenge to the conscience of society, the governor emphasized that such an act is “a tragedy and an affront to our collective humanity.”
Governor Yusuf also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and professional associates of the late journalist. He assured them of the government’s solidarity and firm resolve to ensure that justice is served.