Lamara Garba Azare
There are deaths that bring sorrow, and there are deaths that leave wounds too deep for words to heal. The tragic killing of Honourable Abba Anas Adamu, fondly known as Laushi, belongs to the latter.
His gruesome murder after abduction by men of the underworld along the Kaduna–Abuja express road on Wednesday, 6th May 2026, has thrown family, friends, political associates, and the people of Jigawa State into mourning and disbelief.
Painfully, Laushi was abducted alongside another respected and innocent gentleman, Ali Gantsa, during the unfortunate incident. What made the tragedy even more heartbreaking was the cruel manner in which the abductors reportedly released his lifeless body to his own son after collecting ransom from the family. Such wickedness reflects the frightening depth of moral decay and insecurity confronting our society today.
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As we continue to mourn Laushi, we equally pray for Ali Gantsa, who survived the horrifying ordeal and was released alongside the corpse of his friend and companion. May Allah make this traumatic experience an atonement for him, grant him strength and healing, and protect him from ever witnessing such pain again for the rest of his life.
For many of us who knew him closely, Laushi was not merely a political associate or acquaintance; he was a brother, confidant, and dependable companion whose life revolved around humanity, sincerity, and sacrifice. His death is painful not simply because a life was cut short, but because Nigeria has lost one of the few public figures who genuinely understood that leadership is a sacred responsibility and not an avenue for personal enrichment.
In a political environment polluted by greed, deception, and selfish ambitions, Honourable Abba Anas Adamu stood out as a rare symbol of honesty and accountability. He was a comrade, a Mallam, and a politician who played politics with the fear of Allah. His understanding of power was deeply rooted in service to humanity, justice, and societal progress.
Those who encountered him would easily testify to his humility and accommodating nature. His doors were always open to everyone regardless of status or political affiliation. He related with ordinary people with uncommon simplicity and treated everyone with dignity and respect. To the youth, he was a mentor. To the downtrodden, he was hope. To his colleagues, he was trustworthy. To many of us, he represented the kind of politics Nigerians have long prayed for.
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Laushi’s political journey itself was a testimony of courage, popularity, and grassroots acceptance. He first emerged as Chairman of Guri Local Government under the platform of the PRP at a time when the party lacked the political machinery and financial strength to confront the ruling powers. Yet, because of his popularity and acceptance among the people, he single-handedly obtained the party’s nomination form and went ahead to defeat the mighty influence of the then ruling PDP in Jigawa State. That victory was not merely political; it was a reflection of the confidence and trust ordinary people reposed in him.
His remarkable performance and sincerity in leadership later earned him greater responsibilities. After defecting to the APP, he continued to build bridges across political divides through humility and service. Former Governor Saminu Turaki later appointed him Commissioner for Education and subsequently Commissioner for Environment, positions he handled with honesty, dedication, and uncommon accountability.
Beyond that, he also served as Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), where he devoted himself to assisting vulnerable communities and victims of hardship. His compassion for the less privileged was never cosmetic; it was natural and deeply rooted in his character.
Laushi later contested and won election into the House of Representatives under the platform of the PDP, representing the good people of Guri, Kirikasamma, and Birniwa Federal Constituency. His influence within the party also earned him the position of Secretary of the PDP in Jigawa State, where he played important roles in strengthening the party structure and promoting internal understanding among members.
Throughout his public service journey, Laushi distinguished himself as a man of integrity whose conscience could not permit him to betray public trust. Whether as council chairman, commissioner, federal lawmaker, or party administrator, he administered public resources with prudence and transparency.
What made him exceptional was not merely the positions he occupied, but the character he displayed while occupying them. He never saw public office as a means to accumulate wealth illegally. He never enriched himself fraudulently, nor was he associated with embezzlement of public funds. In fact, Laushi belonged to that disappearing generation of leaders who could return unspent government money after completing official assignments. At a time when many desperately seek office for personal gain, he remained content with honesty and accountability.
His greatest concern was always how to redefine leadership into genuine service to humanity. He strongly believed that leadership should improve lives, empower communities, and create opportunities for development. He envisioned a society where leaders would become servants of the people rather than masters over them. That conviction shaped his politics, his relationships, and his public life.
Indeed, Laushi possessed the qualities of a true statesman. He had the courage to speak truth, the humility to listen, and the sincerity to act in the interest of the people. Many who understood his vision often said he was among the best leaders Jigawa State never had the opportunity to elect as Governor. He carried the dreams of the ordinary people in his heart and pursued politics not for fame or wealth, but for impact and societal transformation.
His painful death once again exposes the growing insecurity confronting our nation, where innocent and promising lives are continually wasted by criminal elements. It is heartbreaking that a man who dedicated his life to peace, service, and humanity would meet such a cruel end at the hands of evil men. Yet even in death, his legacy remains stronger than the bullets and brutality that took him away.
Good men never truly die because their deeds continue to speak long after they are gone. The name Laushi will continue to resonate in the hearts of those he touched through kindness, honesty, and selfless service. His life has become a reminder that integrity still exists in leadership, even if only in very few individuals.
As we mourn this painful loss, we also celebrate a life well lived — a life defined by honour, compassion, accountability, and fear of God. Though his absence leaves a vacuum difficult to fill, his memory will continue to inspire those who believe that politics should be about service and not selfishness.
May Allah forgive the shortcomings of Honourable Abba Anas Adamu, reward his countless good deeds, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus. May Allah comfort his family, friends, associates, and the entire people of Jigawa State during this difficult moment. And may Allah protect our society from the darkness of insecurity and violence that continues to rob us of our finest minds and brightest hopes.
Farewell, Laushi.
A brother has fallen.
A patriot has departed.
A servant leader has returned to his Creator.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un.
Lamara Garba Azare is a former State Editor of the New Nigerian Newspapers in Jigawa State.