The 2001 Set of Biraidu Community Secondary School Old Students Association has commiserated with the family of Alhaji Kashim Yahaya over the death of their classmate, Alhaji Abdul Kashim, who died in Port Harcourt four days ago.
At an emergency virtual meeting held on Thursday through the association’s WhatsApp platform, members expressed grief over the loss of their colleague and reflected on the life he lived, recalling his humility, kindness and positive impact on those who knew him. The association also extended heartfelt condolences to his father, immediate family and loved ones.
In his opening remarks, the Head Boy of the 2001 Set, Mr Oyigu Elijah, particularly sympathised with the deceased’s father, Alhaji Kashim Yahaya, his wife and the dependants he left behind.
Elijah prayed that God would grant the bereaved family the strength and comfort to bear the painful loss. He described Abdul as a humble and reserved classmate whose quiet disposition never diminished the lasting impact he made on the lives of those around him.
He noted that although the deceased lived a relatively quiet life, his character, kindness and relationships with people left impressions that would remain long after his passing.
Also speaking, Rev. Michael Okutachi described Abdul’s death as one of the most shocking news to have reached the association in recent times. He said the development had thrown the entire 2001 Set into mourning, expressing deep sadness over the loss of a colleague with whom they shared memorable years of their lives. He prayed that Almighty God would grant the deceased eternal rest and comfort his family during this difficult period.
Former Secretary of Dekina Local Government Area, Hon. Arome Yahaya, also paid tribute to the deceased, describing him as a quiet, peaceful and easygoing classmate who maintained cordial relationships with everyone throughout their secondary school years.
According to him, having shared the same classroom with Abdul throughout their secondary education, he could attest to his peaceful disposition and the absence of any disagreement or misunderstanding between him and his classmates. He prayed that God would strengthen the deceased’s father and immediate family to bear the loss.
The Deputy Head Boy of the set, Mallam Senusi Sanni, who attended the same primary school with the deceased before they proceeded to Biraidu Community Secondary School, described his death as a great loss to the association, his family and the entire community.
Recalling their longstanding friendship, Sanni said Abdul had consistently demonstrated kindness and humility from their primary school days through their secondary education and beyond.
He particularly recalled an occasion during his days at the Federal Polytechnic, Idah, when Abdul, who was then studying at the College of Health Technology, rendered him medical assistance after he fell ill. According to him, Abdul administered the necessary medication without charging him for his services, asking only that he purchase the prescribed drugs.
Sanni said the gesture saved him the financial burden of seeking treatment at a hospital and remained one of the many acts of kindness through which he remembered his late classmate.
Similarly, Ms Grace Attah, who also shared the same classroom with Abdul, expressed sadness over his passing. She recalled being particularly impressed by his humility and reserved nature during their secondary school days, despite his privileged family background.
Attah observed that Abdul never allowed his family’s affluence to influence his disposition towards others, describing his simplicity and humility as qualities that distinguished him among their classmates.
The association also used the occasion to commiserate with Mr Hussein Kashim, the deceased’s younger brother, who was also a member of the 2001 Set, while extending its deepest condolences to Abdul’s wife and other members of his immediate family.
Alhaji Abdul Kashim hailed from Abocho Etiaja in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. He was the son of Alhaji Kashim Yahaya, a renowned politician and businessman.
Reports indicate that Abdul was allegedly murdered in Port Harcourt after gunmen reportedly waylaid and ambushed him while he was returning from his office.
His remains were subsequently laid to rest in Abocho on Thursday.
The 2001 Set of Biraidu Community Secondary School Old Students Association prayed that Almighty God would forgive his shortcomings, grant his soul eternal rest in Aljana Firdaus and give his family, friends and the entire community the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
