By Yahaya Idris, Toto
Emotions ran high in Toto, the country home of late veteran journalist, Mr. Idris Ahmed, as prominent political figures, community leaders, ethnic associations, friends and sympathisers from different parts of the country trooped to his residence in Adagu community to mourn his passing and offer condolences to the bereaved family.
The late journalist, who passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, was remembered as a humble, dedicated and influential media practitioner whose commitment to journalism and community development earned him admiration across political, social and ethnic divides.
Among the prominent personalities who visited the family were representatives of the political group associated with Dr. Faisal Shuaib, led by its Toto Local s leadership; the member representing Toto/Gadabuke State Constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Mohammed Garba Isimbabi; and former APC House of Representatives aspirant for Nasarawa/Toto Federal Constituency, Hon. Ibrahim Abdullahi Aibro, who was accompanied by his wife.
Also present were members of various political groups, the Toto Elders Forum, Alhaji Hussaini GBO, women and youth associations, as well as representatives of the Egbira, Gbagyi, Hausa-Fulani and other ethnic communities, reflecting the late journalist’s wide circle of relationships and influence.
Speaking during the condolence visit, representatives of Dr. Faisal Shuaib said they were at the family residence to identify with the bereaved family, express their heartfelt sympathy and pray for God’s mercy upon the deceased.
They also prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant the family the strength and patience to withstand the painful and irreparable loss.
In his remarks, APC chieftain and former House of Representatives aspirant, Hon. Ibrahim Abdullahi Aibro, described the late Idris Ahmed as a humble opinion moulder who deployed his pen to influence society and contribute to public discourse.
Aibro noted that the deceased’s commitment to journalism and his role in shaping public opinion would remain part of his enduring legacy. He expressed sympathy with the family and prayed Almighty Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest.
Similarly, Hon. Mohammed Garba Isimbabi, who represents Toto/Gadabuke State Constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, joined other sympathisers in paying his last respects to the departed journalist.
While expressing condolences, Isimbabi described death as an inevitable end for every human being, stressing the need for the living to remember their mortality and uphold good deeds.
He prayed Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and give the family the fortitude to bear the painful loss.
Other visiting groups, including elders, women, youths and representatives of different ethnic communities, also offered prayers for the repose of the deceased’s soul and divine comfort for those he left behind.
Receiving the visitors on behalf of the family, the bereaved relatives expressed profound appreciation for the overwhelming show of love, solidarity and compassion.
They thanked all the individuals, political groups, leaders and ethnic associations who put aside their engagements to visit and stand with the family during what they described as a difficult and trying moment.
The massive turnout of sympathisers the late Idris Ahmed’s place in the hearts of many, as Toto residents and visitors alike paid tribute to a man whose professional journey and personal relationships transcended political, cultural and religious boundaries.
His passing has left a painful void in the family, the journalism profession and the wider Toto community.
