The Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria has expressed shock over the death of Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuf, its former national leader and veteran journalist.

Mairo Sani, the leader of FOMWAN in Plateau State, who made the statement, described the deceased as "God-fearing and compassionate woman".

Sani told the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Jos, the Plateau State capital, that the late Bilkisu was among the over 700 pilgrims who lost their lives during the stampede. .

She said the deceased operated an open door policy when she led the organisation.

"Bilkisu will be remembered for her humility, as a mentor, mother to all, an advocate of peace and someone whose door was open to anyone that requires her counsel," she said. .

Sani added that the late Bilkisu would be remembered for her doggedness in championing the resettlement of the Internally Displaced Persons affected by insurgent attacks in the North East. .

She recalled that the last function attended by the deceased was the national conference of FOMWAN held in August in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. where she delivered a paper on the need for women to be advocate for peace. .

Sani also recalled that the deceased was among the team that facilitated the construction of the association's national headquarters in Abuja. She said: "It is a great loss to us, but God knows all. .

"We mourn her but we know Allah has a special plan for her." NAN reports that the late Bilikisu was the first female editor from Northern Nigeria. .

She worked as editor of the New Nigerian Newspapers and the Citizens magazine in Kaduna.

She also worked with the Triumph Newspaper in Kano and as a columnist.

NAN