Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has stated his sadness over the death of Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, mother of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai.
In a condolence message on X, Atiku described her passing as "a shocking development," saying that she lived "to a prime old age in dignity and service to family and community."
He prayed that Allah grants her Al-Janna Firdaus and comforts the bereaved family.
Atiku said:
"Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un.
"The news of the demise of Hajia Umma El-Rufai is a shocking development.
"I extend my heartfelt condolences to the @elrufai family and friends and pray that Allah (SWT) accepts her soul and grant her Al-Janna Firdaus.
"Hajia Umma lived to a prime old age in dignity and service to family and community. She was a woman of sound faith and her passing on the day of Jumu’ah is a source of consolation to the family.
"It is my prayer that Allah comforts the family and ease their grief. -AA."
Hajiya Umma died in Cairo, Egypt, on Friday after a prolonged illness.
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Family sources confirmed she had been living there with her son since he left office in 2023, and passed away surrounded by relatives.
Her grandson, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, had announced the news on social media, saying: "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. From Allah we came and to Him we shall all return.
"I would like to inform the public of the demise of my grandmother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, who passed away a few hours ago.
"She is the biological mother of our father, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. We are grateful for the life she lived and may Allah bless her gentle soul. On behalf of our family, we seek your prayers."
She is survived by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.