Alhaji Usman Farouk, the first Military Governor of the defunct North-Western State is dead at the age 85.

Usman died at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe at about 1:00 am where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment.

Daily Trust reported that his funeral prayer was held at the Emir of Gombe’s palace at 4:00 pm on Friday December 18. He is survived by three wives, 23 children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.