President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, describing his passing as a “painful loss” to his family, Kogi State and Nigeria.

Idris died in the United Kingdom on Sunday at the age of 77.

In a condolence statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu extended his sympathies to the deceased’s family, the Kogi State Government and people, as well as his friends, associates and political colleagues.

The President described Idris as a committed public servant whose years in office contributed significantly to the political and developmental history of Kogi State.

Tinubu said the former governor devoted a substantial part of his life to public service and the development of the state, particularly through interventions in key sectors.

“His passing is a painful loss to his family, Kogi State and Nigeria.

At this difficult moment, we must remember and honour his contributions to the growth of his state and our nation.

“I extend my deepest condolences to his family and the people of Kogi State.

May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Aljannah Firdaus,” the President said.

Idris served as governor of Kogi State from 2003 to 2012. During his tenure, his administration was credited with interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other critical sectors.

Tinubu also acknowledged Idris’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development and his long years of involvement in public affairs.

The President prayed for divine comfort and strength for the former governor’s family and other loved ones as they mourn his death.

The condolence message came a day after reports emerged that Idris had died in the United Kingdom at the age of 77.

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo had earlier expressed grief over the former governor’s death and declared three days of mourning in his honour.

At least nine people, including a pastor, have been killed in separate attacks in communities across Barkin Ladi, Riyom and neighbouring areas of Plateau State.

The attacks occurred between Saturday night, September 19, and Sunday morning, September 20, 2026, with residents reportedly left in fear as violence spread across parts of the affected communities.

Five of the victims were passengers travelling to Gana-Ropp in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area when they were attacked on Saturday night.

The National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association, Bulus Dabit, confirmed the killing of the five passengers, condemning the attack and calling on security agencies to identify and bring those responsible to justice.

Dabit said the recurring attacks were causing fear and distress among residents, urging authorities to take urgent steps to protect communities and prevent further violence.

The Pyem Youth Leader in Gana-Ropp, Ukasha Garaba, also confirmed the incident.

According to Garaba, the bodies of five people were evacuated from the area. He said the victims were passengers travelling to Gana-Ropp as labourers.

In a separate incident at Dorowa Babuje in Barkin Ladi, two people, including a pastor, were reportedly killed while on their way to church on Sunday morning.

The identities of the two victims had not been disclosed as of the time of filing the reports.

Another woman was reportedly killed at Baten Wereng in Riyom Local Government Area on Saturday night, while another person was killed at Ratyidi in the Fan District.

The spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the attacks and condemned the killings.

Tengwong called on security agencies to strengthen their presence in the affected communities, investigate the incidents and ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.

He also urged residents to remain calm and vigilant amid the renewed security concerns.

The latest attacks have reportedly heightened tension in Dorowa Babuje and surrounding communities, particularly around the Kantoma axis, where gunshots were still being heard on Sunday.

Reports also indicated that women and children were being moved to safer locations.

Meanwhile, several cattle were reportedly killed or stolen at Dorowa Maranba and around the Kantoma axis at about 3am on Sunday.

The Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in Barkin Ladi, Gambo Abubakar, confirmed reports of cattle rustling in the area and called on security agencies to investigate the incident and restore calm.

The Plateau State Police Command had not publicly responded to inquiries about the killings at the time of the initial reports.

However, sources at the command headquarters said the state Commissioner of Police, Ayodeji Faniyan, had deployed additional security personnel to the affected communities.

The fresh attacks have renewed concerns over the security situation in parts of Plateau State, with community leaders calling for sustained security operations and investigations to prevent further loss of lives.

Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, has died at the age of 77.

Idris reportedly died on Sunday, September 20, 2026, in the United Kingdom.

His death has triggered condolence visits from political leaders and government officials in Kogi State, with the state’s incumbent governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, and former governor, Yahaya Bello, among those who visited the deceased’s family in Abuja.

The visit was disclosed by Onogwu Muhammed, Special Adviser to the Kogi State Governor on Public Relations and Chief Press Secretary to former Governor Yahaya Bello, in a post shared on Facebook on Sunday.

According to Muhammed, Ododo, Bello, Kogi State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Abdullahi Bello, and other senior government officials visited the late former governor’s Abuja residence to commiserate with his family.

He said, “Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Ahmed Usman Ododo; former Governor Yahaya Bello, CON; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon.

Abdullahi Bello; and other top government officials have arrived at the Abuja residence of the late former Governor Ibrahim Idris, who passed away this afternoon.”

Photographs accompanying the post showed Governor Ododo and former Governor Bello at the deceased’s residence.

Idris was a prominent figure in Kogi State politics and served as the state’s governor from 2003 to 2012.

He assumed office in May 2003 and was re-elected in the 2007 governorship election, allowing him to serve a second term.

His administration ended in January 2012, when he was succeeded by Idris Wada.

During his time in office, Idris was one of the key political figures in Kogi State and remained active in the affairs of the state after leaving office.

The former governor’s death comes as the state’s political leadership and other associates begin paying tribute to him and commiserating with his family.

As of Sunday evening, details surrounding the cause of his death had not been made public.

Further information on funeral arrangements and other burial rites is expected to emerge from the family and relevant authorities.