By Zubairu Idris, NAN —
When Haruna Bashir walked into the Kano Central Mosque on Aug. 7, there was little to suggest that the man had endured one of the most painful experiences imaginable.
He smiled, interacted with people around him and participated in the ceremony that marked the beginning of another chapter in his life.
Months earlier, Bashir had lost his wife and six children in a violent attack at Doroyi Quarters, Kano metropolis.
The tragedy happened while he was away trying to earn a living.
Since then, people close to him said he had become withdrawn and preferred to stay alone.
For Bashir, therefore, his appearance at the mosque was not just about getting married.
It was also an opportunity to reconnect with people after months of isolation following the loss of his family.
He was there to marry Rahinatu Jamilu-Yunusa under the Kano State Government’s 2026 mass wedding programme, popularly known as “Auren Gata”.
The programme brought together 1,500 couples whose marriages were sponsored by the state government.
At the ceremony, Gov. Abba Yusuf stood as Bashir’s guardian, while the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, stood for the bride.
The presence of Bashir at the event attracted attention because of the circumstances surrounding his participation.
The Commander-General of the Kano State Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim-Daurawa, said Bashir was taken as an example because of the tragedy that had befallen him.
“The governor sponsored Hajj and lesser Hajj for him, and gave him another house at Amana City, Kano.
“Ever since the pathetic incident, Bashir doesn’t like talking to people, but with this programme, he is now bouncing back to normal life.
“You can see him now smiling and relating with others throughout the programme,” Daurawa said.
Bashir’s ordeal began early in 2026 when assailants broke into his residence at Doroyi Quarters and killed his wife and six biological children while he was away.
Following the incident, Yusuf visited him to condole with him and directed security agencies to pursue those responsible.
A few days later, the governor sponsored Bashir to perform Lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
After his return, he was again supported to perform Hajj.
