A retired Police Commissioner who played prominent role towards the crushing of a deadly fanatic, the Maitatsine in 1980, Alhaji Ibrahim Babankowa is dead, even as President Muhammadu Buhari mourns him. He died on Monday night at the age of 79.
Late Babankowa was also said to have been instrumental to the discovery of the body of Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa after the January 15, 1966 coup d’état.
Babankowa, who was the old Gongola state police commissioner, died on Monday after being struck by struck and was bed ridden for 17 days, according to family source.
His younger brother, Alhaji Sani Abdullahi, said: “in the morning, about 23 days ago, he wanted to enter his room at his house in Kano State but he couldn’t because he was struck by stroke. When his family realized his condition, they quickly held him before he fell down. From there, he was taken to one of the private clinics in Kano city.
“Two days after he was taken to the hospital he felt better, but later on his condition worsened to the extent he was not able to talk. After spending about 17 days at that private clinic, he was transferred to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
“Alhaji Babankowa spent only two days there before he breathed his last in the presence of his children and brother.
“My late brother lived a simple life. He was the pillar of the family, a father of all as his name, ‘Baban Kowa’, portrays.
“His high sense of brotherhood, compassion, caring, love and assistance cut across every member of his family and everyone who approached him from far and near in the country.”
In a condolence message, according to the senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu in a statement, Buhari described late Babankowa as a role model in integrity and steadfastness to those who knew him.
The President, who is said to have enjoyed a long and close association with Alhaji Babankowa, extended his personal condolence to the family of the late police boss.
Late Babankowa was survived by three wives, nine children and many grand children.
The President also condoled with the family of a celebrated farmer and bookseller, Jibrin Ahmed who also died recently, saying that he was saddened by the death of Ahmed with whom he also had a close relationship over many years.
Buhari confessed that he greatly respected his exemplary humility and belief in the dignity of labour, adding that he will forever treasure the memories of Ahmed as one of the most hardworking and humble Nigerians he has had the privilege of knowing.
He prayed to Allah to grant Babankowa and Ahmed eternal rest, and to comfort their grieving families, friends and associates. [myad]
