Double tragedy as former NIA boss son dies hours after father’s death

The Zakari family is reeling from an unimaginable loss as Mubarak Zakari, the youngest son of the late Ambassador Ibrahim Zakari, passed away on Sunday evening, just hours after his father’s death. Mubarak, aged 34, reportedly succumbed to shock and heartbreak following the loss of his father, adding to the profound grief felt by the family and their sympathizers.

Ambassador Ibrahim Zakari, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s Intelligence and diplomatic circles, died earlier on Sunday at the age of 81 in Abuja. The revered former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) served between 1995 and 1998, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s foreign affairs and anti-terrorism efforts.

His funeral, held in Katsina, was attended by notable dignitaries, including the Katsina State Governor and the Emir of Katsina. However, amidst the solemnity, tragedy struck again. Mubarak, who was reportedly in good health during the journey to his father’s burial, passed away unexpectedly, overwhelmed by the emotional toll of the loss.

Funeral prayers for Mubarak were held on Monday at the family’s residence in Katsina, where a grieving community gathered to console the family. The back-to-back losses have left a deep void, with sympathizers expressing shock and sorrow at the devastating events.

As the Zakari family navigates this unprecedented double tragedy, they remain in the thoughts and prayers of a nation that deeply respects Ambassador Zakari’s contributions and mourns alongside them.