The Borno State Commissioner of Finance, Ahmed Ali Ahmed, was found dead on Monday morning at his home on Damboa Road in Maiduguri, the state capital. The sad discovery was made after concerned individuals noticed that Ahmed had not emerged from his room at his usual time. Worried, they decided to force open his door, only to find him unresponsive.
Usman Tar, the state’s Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, confirmed Ahmed’s death in a statement, adding a layer of shock to an already grieving community. He announced that the burial of Ahmed would take place at his residence later that evening, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Ahmed, who was sworn in as the Commissioner of Finance just a few months ago on August 10, 2024, was previously the State Zonal Manager of Zenith Bank in Maiduguri. His untimely demise is the latest in a series of unfortunate events that have rocked Governor Zulum’s administration. Since beginning his second term in May 2023, Zulum has already lost two commissioners and a special adviser, raising concerns and whispers about the ominous cloud hovering over his government.
As news of Ahmed’s death spreads, many are left wondering about the state of affairs in Borno’s government. The repeated losses of key officials have sparked alot of speculation and a fair amount of controversy, with some questioning the stability and safety of the state’s leadership.
Governor Zulum, who has been seen as a beacon of hope for many in Borno, now faces the daunting task of navigating yet another tragedy. With the recent deaths casting a shadow over his administration, the governor must address not only the practical implications of losing senior officials but also the growing unrest among the state’s residents.
While the cause of Ahmed’s death has not been publicly disclosed, the circumstances surrounding his sudden passing have left room for speculation and concern. In a state already suffering with significant challenges, from security issues to economic instability, the loss of a key financial officer is a blow that will be deeply felt.