The Borno State Police Command has confirmed the death of a police inspector, Abdulkadir Garba, popularly known as “Buratai,” after he was struck by lightning while on official duty in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The command’s spokesperson, Nahum Daso, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, describing the incident as a tragic loss to the police force.
According to him, the incident occurred on Wednesday at about 2:19pm while the late inspector and his senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu, were coordinating vehicular parking opposite the state police headquarters.
Daso explained that both officers attempted to take cover as heavy winds gathered ahead of a rainfall but were struck by lightning before reaching safety.
He said the thunderstorm hit the officers suddenly while they were still carrying out their official duties.
The police spokesman noted that ASP Adamu survived the incident, which he described as miraculous, while Inspector Garba died after sustaining partial burns.
Daso paid tribute to the deceased officer, describing him as a committed and hardworking policeman who remained dedicated to maintaining order and serving the public despite difficult weather conditions.
According to him, Garba died in active service, not through violence or armed conflict, but as a result of a natural disaster.
He added that the inspector’s death had thrown colleagues, friends and residents who knew him into mourning.
Daso further reflected on the unpredictability of life, saying the tragic incident served as a reminder of how suddenly life could change.
Inspector Garba was widely known among colleagues and residents around the command headquarters for his dedication and passion for duty.