A police inspector, Abdulkadir Garba, was killed by lightning in Maiduguri, Borno state on Wednesday.
The tragedy happened opposite the headquarters of the Borno State Police Command.
The state police spokesperson DSP Nahum Kenneth Daso who revealed this said the Inspector popularly known as “Buratai,” was coordinating vehicle parking alongside a senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu, when the lightning struck at about 2:19 p.m.
Daso said the both officers were trying to leave the spot following a wind storm signalling an approaching rainfall but were hit before reaching a shelter.
He said “rain often comes with its own blessings, but this one arrived with a heartbreaking streak of tragedy.
Daso said a loud thunderclap echoed through the area before a powerful lightning strike hit both officers.
He said ASP Adamu survived the incident, “unfortunately, Inspector Abdulkadir Garba, who was directly impacted, sadly lost his life.”
According to the police spokesperson, the late officer was as committed and hardworking who remained devoted to public service despite harsh weather conditions.
“He lost his life, not to violence or conflict, but to the force of the storm,
“Inspector Abdulkadir Garba was more than a police officer to many; he was a familiar face, a hardworking officer and a symbol of dedication to service,” he said.
Daso said the officer’s sudden death had left colleagues, friends 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,” the statement added.
