Grief hung heavily over Kwambai on Tuesday as tears, prayers and heartfelt tributes accompanied the final journey of the late Madaki of Kwambai, Andebutop Yakubu Amamra. Family members, friends and well-wishers gathered in quiet sorrow to bid farewell to a man many described as a pillar of faith and unity in the community.
The funeral service, held at the Reformed Church of Christ for Nations (RCCN), Trinity Kwambai, became a moment of collective reflection as mourners from within and outside the Yangtu Special Development Area of Taraba State filled the church.
Traditional rulers sat side by side with security chiefs, neighbours and sympathisers, united by loss.
Delivering the sermon, Rev. Abednego Habila Shita spoke with emotion about the life the late Madaki lived. Drawing from Matthew 7:21–22, he reminded the congregation that God sees beyond appearances and values sincere devotion. He described the deceased as a committed and prayerful Christian whose life reflected genuine service to God and humanity.
“He was not just a leader,” the cleric said, “but a father figure whose life encouraged others to walk in righteousness.” He urged young people to hold firmly to faith, even in moments of pain and uncertainty.
Earlier, while presenting the biography, Mr. Luka Yamusa revealed that Andebutop Yakubu Amamra passed on at the age of 46, leaving behind a grieving family and a community still struggling to come to terms with his sudden absence. He noted that the late Madaki served with dedication as a member of the Kwambai Traditional Council.
Tributes flowed freely. The Kwe Kwambai, Emmanuel Ikoti, along with representatives of the Mbakina and Mbatiki sub-clans, described the deceased as a man of peace whose commitment to unity and development strengthened the Kwambai people. They encouraged the family to draw comfort from God, even as the pain remains fresh.
On behalf of the family, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Christopher Katso, and the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ishiaku Musa, expressed deep gratitude to all who stood with them during the difficult period. Their words were filled with appreciation and prayers for divine reward for every show of kindness.
The final interment rites were later conducted at the family compound in Kwambai, bringing the solemn day to a close.
For many sympathisers, the loss of the Madaki goes beyond one family. “This is a heavy blow,” some told The Guardian, noting that Kwambai and the entire Yangtu Special Development Area have lost a leader whose presence will be deeply missed.