A police inspector, Abdulkadir Garba, popularly known as “Buratai,” has died after being struck by lightning while on duty in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The Borno State Police Command confirmed the incident on Friday, saying it occurred on Wednesday at about 2:19 pm opposite the command headquarters. Inspector Garba was coordinating vehicle parking alongside his senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu, when strong winds began to gather.
According to police spokesperson ASP Nahum Daso, both officers attempted to find shelter before the rain started but were caught by lightning before they could reach safety. ASP Adamu survived with no life-threatening injuries, but Inspector Garba suffered fatal burns.
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Daso described the late officer as a dedicated and hardworking policeman widely respected for his commitment to duty. “He lost his life, not to violence or conflict, but to the force of the storm,” he said.
The spokesperson added that Inspector Garba was a familiar face to many in Maiduguri, known for standing daily under harsh weather to maintain order and serve the public. His sudden death has left colleagues and residents in shock and mourning.
“Sometimes, life reminds us how fragile and unpredictable it can be. One moment, duty calls. The next moment, eternity answers,” Daso said.
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