The remains of former Kogi State Governor, Ibrahim Idris, have been laid to rest at the Gudu Cemetery in Apo, Abuja, following his death at the age of 77.

Idris died in the United Kingdom on Sunday, after which his remains were returned to Nigeria for burial. His final rites were attended by Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, former governors Yahaya Bello and Idris Wada, members of the Idris family, government officials, political associates and other dignitaries.

The late politician governed Kogi State from 2003 until January 2012. He returned to office after winning the March 2008 governorship re-run election, which followed a legal challenge to the 2007 poll, before handing over to Captain Idris Wada in January 2012.

Following the announcement of his death, Governor Ododo declared three days of mourning across Kogi State and directed that the Nigerian and Kogi State flags be flown at half-mast at government offices and other designated public institutions.

Ododo also announced that Idris would receive a state burial, with the state government taking responsibility for the funeral arrangements and expenses. In a condolence message to the Idris family, the governor described the former governor’s death as a major loss to both Kogi State and Nigeria.

According to Ododo, Idris devoted a significant part of his life to public service, while his administration made interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other key sectors. The governor had earlier visited the late politician’s residence to condole with members of his family.

Born in 1949 in Idah, Kogi State, Idris began his early education in Onitsha, Anambra State, and completed his primary education in Kano before attending King’s Commercial College in Buguma, Rivers State. He later obtained a Law degree from the University of Abuja and went into business, founding Ibro Trading Company, which operated in construction, furniture manufacturing and hospitality before he entered politics and was elected Kogi governor on the PDP platform in 2003.