Tragedy struck in Maiduguri on Wednesday as a police inspector, Abdulkadir Garba, was killed by a lightning strike while on duty, the Borno State Police Command has confirmed.
Garba, popularly known as “Buratai,” was said to be coordinating vehicle parking opposite the command headquarters when the incident occurred at about 2:19 p.m.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, noting that the deceased was alongside a senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu, who survived the incident.
According to Daso, the officers had attempted to take cover as strong winds signalled an approaching rainfall but were struck by lightning before reaching safety.
“A loud thunderclap was heard, followed immediately by a lightning strike that hit both officers while they were still on duty,” he said.
He added that while Adamu survived “miraculously,” Garba, who bore the direct impact, died from the strike after sustaining partial burns.
Describing the late officer as dedicated and committed, Daso said his death had thrown colleagues and residents into mourning.
“Inspector Abdulkadir Garba was widely respected for his passion for duty. He stood daily under harsh weather conditions to maintain order and serve the public,” he said.
The police spokesperson noted that the incident underscored the unpredictability of life, stressing that the officer died in active service.
“He lost his life not to violence or conflict, but to the force of nature,” Daso added.
Garba’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief within the command, with tributes pouring in for the fallen officer, remembered by many as hardworking and dedicated to public service.
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