Emir of Deba, Lt. Col. Abubakar Waziri Mahdi (Rtd), died today at the age of 85 after a protracted illness.
The late emir spent about three week at the Federal Teaching Hosptal, Gombe and was transferred to Nizamiye Hospital, Abuja on Sunday, and eventually died today.
The news of his demise got to the state at around 3pm Thursday evening.
His burial will take place at Deba, headquarters of Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area as soon as the body arrives via road from Abuja, a family source stated.
Alhaji Abubakar Waziri Mahdi, a first class emir in Gombe state, served in the Nigerian Army and attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring in 1985.
He was first turbaned as District Head of Deba in 1985, after the demise of his predecessor. He was elevated the status of first class in the year 2000 by former Governor Abubakar Habu Hashidu.
Chairman of Yamaltu Deba local government, Malam Haruna Samanja confirmed the death. He said the late emir was survived by two wives and 27 children.