The Nasarawa State government, along with the family members of the late Sangarin Deddere, organised prayer sessions held first at the palace of the Sangari in the morning, and later at the Conference Hall of the State Government House along Shendam road, Lafia.
Before his demise, Alhaji Umaru, popularly called Marafa (his earlier title as Marafan Deddere), was once the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP (1999-2003), and until his death, a third class traditional ruler and chairman, National Programme on Immunisation, NPI.
Governor Abdullahi Adamu of Nasarawa State cut short his leave; and along with his deputy, Mr. John Labaran Maku, with virtually all senior government officials in the state as well as officials of the NPI, led by Dr (Mrs) Awosika, participated fully at the two prayer sessions.
The governor, in a mourning mood, prayed for the repose of the late Alhaji Umaru Mohammed and urged the family to bear the loss with the fortitude.
Governor Adamu equally shared in the grief with President Olusegun Obasanjo over the death of his wife, Stella and the passengers and crew of the Bellview plane crash. He also used the occasion to announce the death of the suspended chairman of Agidi Development Area in Nasarawa-Eggon local government area, Mr. Bala Gabi, who also died in the crash.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state, Halilu Bala Usman, had conveyed the news of the death of the Sangari to the family, through the Osun of Olosolo, Alhaji Musa Oga, who said the death was a tragedy that could hardly be forgotten by communities in Obi local government area.
Condolence registers have been opened for the late Mrs. Obasanjo and Alhaji Umaru Mohammed at various centres in the state.