By Laraba MUREY
The widow of Abuja activist, Yunusa Ahmadu Yusuf, has begged residents of the Federal Capital Territory and Nigerians to forgive her late husband if his struggles for justice for indigenous people ever offended anyone.
Mrs. Ladidi Yusuf made the plea during the burial service of her husband at the ECWA Church, Kpaduma I, Abuja, on Tuesday.
She recalled how Yusuf, popularly known as Buhun Borkonun Abuja (roughly meaning “Abuja’s bag of pepper”), lived a sacrificial life fighting for the rights and emancipation of Abuja natives.
She narrated how her late husband sacrificed his health to attend to the needs of the people whenever they called on him.
Her words, “My husband has suffered. He went through things most people do not know. At times, he would be trying to sleep when not feeling fine, and a call would come; he would jump up and leave to go and fight for the people.
“I would plead with him to rest, but he would always argue that they needed his assistance and that he could not find peace when they were crying for his help.
“If there’s anyone he offended in the course of his struggle for the good of the FCT and the people, please, forgive him,” she pleaded.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines, Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Christopher Maikalangu, described the late rights activist as “a great warrior” who fought tirelessly for the people’s rights.
Maikalangu, who also struggled to hold back tears, consoled the family and prayed God would see them through the difficult times, saying the entire territory had lost a great, dedicated, and fearless advocate.
He noted that while death was inevitable, Buhu’s legacy would live on in the hearts of those he touched, praying that God would raise more individuals like him to continue fighting for people’s rights and welfare.
Dalhatu Ezekiel Musa, former Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) for the FCT and chairman of the burial committee, expressed surprise at the turnout and tributes.
He condemned the culture of celebrating people only when they are dead, describing it as “a wicked culture.”
The Regional Coordinator of Afro Arab Youth Council, West Africa, Akoshile Mukhtar, said the sudden loss of Buhun had left a void in the advocacy community.
“Buhun was more than just an advocate; he was a friend, a mentor, and a beacon of hope for many young people,” Mukhtar said.
He also raised concerns about the welfare of the late activist’s family, particularly his young wife, who is reportedly jobless, urging government to fulfill its promise of support.
“His work with the #EndSARS and other initiatives demonstrated his commitment to creating positive change in the FCT,” he added.
Also speaking, Bala Iyah, Buhun’s adopted father, spoke fondly of his late son, saying he had no regrets about their bond.
He credited their relationship to divine guidance, saying: “Each of us has an angel guiding us, and I was Buhu’s angel.”
Iyah revealed that he had been managing Buhu’s health issues for over a year, offering him reassurance and support during difficult times.
He described Buhu as a dedicated, committed son who, despite struggles with health and persecution, remained a source of comfort and inspiration.
The burial drew tears and tributes from family, friends, associates, and fellow activists, who agreed the FCT had lost a fearless voice of the people.
