Shaykh Saidu Imam, the Chief Imam of Shagon Goro Jumu'ah Masjid in Gombe State, has passed away, leaving behind a community of mourners who remember him for his scholarship, warmth, and decades of religious service. The death was announced on Monday, October 19, 2026, by Professor Isa Pantami, former Minister of Communication and Information Technology and Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Gombe State.
Pantami Announces the Death of the Respected Cleric
Professor Pantami broke the news in a post on X, writing on behalf of himself and others who had been close to the late cleric. He expressed the community's loss, stating that they had lost "one of our all-time mentors and respected teachers." The announcement has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the state and beyond.
Pantami, who is also a prominent figure in Gombe State politics, extended his condolences to the imam's family, with particular mention of his son Dr Abubakar Saidu Imam, as well as the cleric's relatives, students, friends, neighbours, and associates.
Final Visit to the Ailing Imam
About three weeks before the imam's death, Pantami had joined a delegation to visit Shaykh Saidu Imam at his home. The group included Alhaji Hussaini Ahmad Ganga, the Dan Amar of Gombe, Alhaji Usman Gurama, and Dr Abubakar Saidu, also known as Dr Yagi. At the time, the late cleric was ill, but Pantami noted that he received the visitors with excitement and offered prayers for them.
Pantami recalled the imam's character and service, particularly highlighting "his golden voice in delivering the Jumu'ah Khutbah and his weekly reminders, particularly about the Day of Judgement." The former minister described Shaykh Saidu Imam as highly knowledgeable, jovial, humble, and responsible, calling him an icon of unity and peace in the Gombe community.
Tributes and Condolences for the Late Scholar
In his message, Pantami wrote, "The eyes shed tears and the heart is saddened, but we say nothing except that which pleases our Lord. Indeed, Shaykh Saidu Imam, we are bereaved by your departure." He prayed that Allah would admit the late imam into Jannatul Firdaus alongside departed loved ones, and asked that the family and broader society be given the strength to bear what he called an irreparable loss.
The death of Shaykh Saidu Imam is a significant loss to the Gombe community, where he was revered for his knowledge and leadership. His legacy includes decades of guiding worshippers at the Shagon Goro Jumu'ah Masjid, and his teachings are remembered by students and followers. The imam's family, including his son Dr Abubakar Saidu Imam, and the wider Gombe community are now left to mourn a figure who was not only a religious leader but also a symbol of unity and peace.
