Katsina State has been thrown into mourning following the death of former Senator Bello Mandiya, who represented Katsina South Senatorial District in the Ninth National Assembly.
Mandiya died in Abuja on Monday, September 7, 2026, at the age of 62, the Katsina State Government confirmed. His death was announced by Ibrahim Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dikko Umar Radda. The circumstances surrounding his death have not been officially made public.
News of his passing has sparked reactions across the political community, with Governor Radda mourning the former federal lawmaker as a public servant whose contributions extended beyond his years in the Senate.
Radda said he received the news with “shock and deep sadness,” describing Mandiya’s passing as “a great loss to Katsina State and Nigeria.”
According to the governor, Mandiya dedicated part of his life to serving the people and made contributions at both the state and federal levels. Radda also prayed for the repose of his soul and extended condolences to his family and political associates.
Mandiya’s political career included a significant role in the administration of former Katsina Governor Aminu Bello Masari, where he served as Chief of Staff before making the transition to the National Assembly.
In 2019, he won the Katsina South senatorial election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress and went on to serve in the Ninth Senate until 2023. His legislative responsibilities included chairing the Senate Committee on Water Resources.
Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan paid tribute to Mandiya, recalling him as a trusted confidant and describing his performance in the Ninth Senate as that of a “thoroughbred lawmaker.” Lawan said Mandiya demonstrated diligence, intellect and a deep sense of responsibility while overseeing the water resources portfolio.
The late senator was also remembered as a peacemaker and a man who maintained strong relationships with colleagues and political associates.
Governor Radda condoled with Mandiya’s family, former Governor Masari, residents of Katsina South, his political associates and members of the Ninth National Assembly.
Mandiya is expected to be laid to rest in Abuja on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, as tributes continue to emerge following his death.
