The District Head of Gwandu in Kebbi State, Alhaji Muhammadu Rasheed, popularly known as Sarkin Gabas, has died.
Rasheed reportedly passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, with the development prompting condolences from the Kebbi State Government and members of the state’s traditional institution.
The deceased was a prominent figure within the Gwandu Emirate and had succeeded his late father, Alhaji Muhammadu Bashar Mai-Wurno, in the traditional institution.
The funeral prayer for the late district head is scheduled to hold at the Palace of the Emir of Gwandu in Birnin Kebbi at 6pm on Wednesday.
The death was confirmed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, Ahmed Idris, and the governor’s Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Abdullahi Idris.
The officials conveyed the development as the state mourned the loss of one of its traditional leaders.
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, received news of Rasheed’s death while in the United States.
The governor is currently in the US to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima.
According to the state government, the governor expressed sadness over the sudden death and extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, the people of Gwandu and residents across Kebbi State.
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The government also prayed for Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the late traditional ruler and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
A family rooted in Gwandu traditional institution
Rasheed’s position within the Gwandu traditional institution was also linked to his family’s longstanding connection to the emirate.
His late father, Muhammadu Bashar Mai-Wurno, was the eldest son of the late Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Haruna Rasheed.
His death therefore represents another loss for the Gwandu traditional institution, coming as the community prepares to pay its final respects to the late district head.