Alhaji Abu Dankure, the Sokoto-based businessman who was kidnapped and released 11 days ago, is dead.

Dankure, aged 68, died at the Uthmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto at about 3 a.m. on Friday.

His elder brother, Alhaji Mamman Dangaladima told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the deceased was taken to the hospital at about 2 a.m after complaining of a heartache and died about an hour later.

NAN recalls that the late businessman was kidnapped in Sokoto, on Nov. 6, by four gunmen along Kupper road and was released on Nov. 11, after reports said the abductors were paid N51 million as ransom.

Dankure, a close associate of Gov. Aliyu Wamakko, is survived by four wives and 72 children.

Until his death, he held the traditional title of Sarkin Fadan Sarkin Musulmi.

Meanwhile, the funeral prayer for the deceased, led by Sheikh Dahiru Shehu, the Chief Imam of Shehu Juma’at Mosque, was conducted at about 9.30 a.m.

It was attended by Gov. Wamakko, his Deputy, Alhaji Mukhtari Shagari , former minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Sen. Jubril Gada and the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Sahabi Gada.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, was represented by the Magajin Rafin Sokoto, Alhaji Rilwanu Bello and the District Head of Wamakko, Alhaji Salihu Barade. (NAN)

BRM/MZA