Bello Mandiya, Former Chief of Staff and Senator, Passes Away Aged 62.
Governor Radda leads tributes after sudden passing of Katsina South lawmaker who served as Masari’s chief of staff.
KATSINA, NIGERIA — The iNews Times | Bello Mandiya dies at the age of 62, leaving political associates, constituents and state leaders in shock after the former senator representing Katsina South passed away on Monday, September 7, 2026.
The announcement came through a statement by Ibrahim Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda. Governor Radda described the death as a profound loss to both Katsina State and the nation, praising the late senator’s years of public service at state and federal levels.
In this report, we examine the key developments, reactions from stakeholders, and the broader implications.
Background of the Story
Bello Mandiya first rose to prominence in Katsina politics as Chief of Staff to former Governor Aminu Bello Masari. In that role he helped manage the machinery of state government during a period of significant administrative reform and infrastructure focus in the North-West.
His elevation to the National Assembly https://nass.gov.ng in 2019 marked a natural progression. Representing Katsina South in the 9th Senate until 2023, Mandiya operated in a chamber defined by intense debates over security, agriculture and federal resource allocation-issues that remain central to the lives of his constituents. His dual experience in the executive and legislature gave him a practical understanding of how state priorities translate into national policy.
Key Developments
News of the death broke on Monday when the governor’s office formally confirmed that Bello Mandiya dies after a period that has not been publicly detailed. Governor Radda moved quickly to issue an official statement expressing personal shock and institutional sadness.
The governor recalled Mandiya’s service as Chief of Staff under Masari and his subsequent four-year tenure in the Senate. He framed the late senator’s career as one of consistent commitment rather than fleeting political ambition, noting that the contributions made at both levels of government form a lasting part of his public record.
Reactions from Stakeholders
Governor Dikko Radda led the tributes. “I received with shock and deep sadness the news of the death of Senator Bello Mandiya. His passing is a great loss to Katsina State and Nigeria,” he said.
Radda continued: “Senator Mandiya dedicated part of his life to public service and served our people with commitment. His contributions will remain remembered. His experience and service at both the state and federal levels remain part of his legacy.”
The governor extended condolences to the immediate family, former Governor Aminu Bello Masari, the people of Katsina South, political associates, friends and colleagues from the 9th Senate. He prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive Mandiya’s shortcomings, reward his good deeds and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, while asking for strength for those left behind.
Implications
The death removes a figure who bridged the Masari administration and the subsequent political generation in Katsina. In a state where continuity of institutional memory matters, the loss of someone who understood both the inner workings of the Government House and the dynamics of the National Assembly leaves a noticeable gap.
For Katsina South, the absence of a former senator with executive experience may affect how local development concerns are articulated at the federal level in the short term. Nationally, it adds to the steady attrition of lawmakers who served during the 9th Assembly, a period that shaped several security and economic policies still under review.
What Happens Next
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in consultation with traditional and political leaders in Katsina. Colleagues from the 9th Senate and associates of the Masari era are likely to issue further tributes in the coming days.
The state government under Governor Radda will almost certainly maintain a visible presence at the final rites, reinforcing the official narrative of service and loss that has already been established.
Conclusion
Bello Mandiya dies leaving behind a record defined by quiet administrative competence and legislative duty rather than loud political theatre. In a political culture that often celebrates the dramatic, his career offers a quieter model of continuity-one that Governor Radda and others have already begun to honour. The iNews Times will continue to track the official response and the impact of this loss on Katsina’s political landscape.
