A former minister of Agriculture and Water Resources, Dr Abba Sayyadi Ruma, is dead.

It was gathered that Ruma died in a London hospital.

Confirming the death of Ruma, his uncle and Danwairen Katsina, Alhaji Sada Salisu Ruma, said he had battled diabetes for a long time before he eventually passed away this morning.

Born on March 13, 1962, late Ruma was an influential minister during the administration of late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua.

Aged 59, the Ruma is survived by two wives and nine children.