From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The Zuru Emirate has been thrown into mourning following the death of Hajiya Rakiya Abdullahi Liman Ma’aji, the last surviving elder in the family of the first Chief Imam of Zuru, Mallam Abdullahi Liman Ma’aji.
The Triumph gathered that Hajiya Rakiya died in the early hours of Saturday, at the age of 103, after a protracted illness at her residence along the Old Market area of Zuru.
The death was confirmed in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to the Kebbi State Governor, Abdullahi Idris Sadaukin Zuru.
The statement described her passing as a huge loss not only to her immediate family but also to the Zuru and Yauri emirates, where she was widely respected for her wisdom, humility and role in fostering unity.
The late matriarch was fondly known as Gwaggon Yara and was the immediate younger sister of the late Alhaji Hamidu Ladan Zuru, the first Danmasanin Zuru. She was also a younger sister to the late Chief Imam of Zuru, Alhaji Muhammadu Liman Tanko.
According to the statement, Hajiya Rakiya lived a remarkable life devoted to family cohesion, peace and communal harmony, cutting across generations within Zuru and Yauri emirates.
She was buried at the Jarkasa cemetery shortly after funeral prayers, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Condolences have continued to pour in from relatives, community leaders and residents of Zuru, particularly to her children and extended family.
The statement prayed Allah to forgive her shortcomings and reward her good deeds with Aljannatul Firdaus, noting that her legacy of love, unity and service would continue to inspire future generations.
