Former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Baba Tela, has lost his son and daughter, Mustapha and Ummi, in a road crash.

The siblings reportedly died on the spot in the accident, which occurred along the Bauchi-Azare road on Saturday. Other occupants of the vehicle sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment.

Their remains were taken to a hospital in Bauchi, where they were confirmed dead.

The funeral prayer was held at the Bauchi Emir’s Palace and was attended by hundreds of mourners, including Muslim faithful, sympathisers and well-wishers. The deceased were later buried in accordance with Islamic rites.

Reacting to the incident, the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, expressed shock and sadness, describing the incident as a painful tragedy.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, the governor said the loss was a devastating blow to the family and the state.

He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and urged the bereaved family to take solace in the will of Allah.

The governor also wished those injured in the crash a speedy recovery and called on residents to pray for the victims and their family.