PROFILE - Ahmadu Bello: Assassinated leader of Northern Nigeria

By Gokhan Kavak and Adam Abu Bashal

KADUNA, Nigeria (AA) - Ahmadu Bello was the president of autonomous Northern Nigeria when he was assassinated in a coup attempt in 1966.

Born in 1909, Bello was one of the grandsons of Osman Dan Faido, founder of Sokoto Caliphate.

Bello served as the president of National Population Commission of Nigeria (NPC) in Northern Nigeria for 12 years.

Nigeria was divided into three regions to be governed in the eastern, western and northern territories, until it was granted independence on Oct. 1, 1960.

As the leader of NPC, Bello carried out educational works. He supported founding of Ahmadu Bello University in the northern Kano province of Nigeria in 1962 and became the first rector of it.

He visited Pakistan, Iran, Lebanon, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates during his presidency. He became the vice-president of Muslim World League in 1962, forging closer ties with the Islamic world.

Known for his remarks against Israel, Bello refused Israel’s monetary aid in 1964.

- Coup Attempt and Civil War

The first and only president of the territory, Bello was assassinated by putschists during the first coup attempt in Kaduna, in Jan. 15, 1966. Among assassinated was Abubalar Tafawa Balewa, the first prime minister of Northern Nigeria.

Nigeria was governed by many civil and military coups until 1991.

Failed coup in Jan. 1966 not only impaired Nigeria's economic, political and social order but also led to Biafran Civil War which lasted between 1967 and 1970.

Previously used as presidential office, Ahmadu Bello Museum in the northern Kaduna province of Nigeria today showcases his photos and documents and is used as an archive and research center.