 |
| Late Buratai |
Tragedy struck in Borno State after a police inspector, Abdulkadir Garba, popularly known as “Buratai,” was killed by a lightning strike while on duty in Maiduguri, the state capital.
The Borno State Police Command confirmed the incident on Friday in a statement issued by its spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso.
According to Daso, the late officer was struck by lightning on Wednesday alongside a senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu, who survived the incident.
The spokesperson explained that the two officers had attempted to take cover as rain clouds gathered but were hit before reaching safety.
“It was on Wednesday, May 7, 2026, at about 2:19pm, when Inspector Abdulkadir Garba, popularly known as ‘Buratai,’ was carrying out his routine responsibility of coordinating vehicle parking opposite the Borno State Police Command headquarters alongside his senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu,” the statement read.
“As strong winds began to gather, both officers reportedly attempted to seek shelter before the rain started. But in a sudden and devastating moment, a loud thunderclap echoed through the atmosphere, followed instantly by a powerful lightning strike that hit both officers while they were still on duty.”
Daso disclosed that while Adamu survived the incident, Garba died after sustaining partial burns from the lightning strike.
“While ASP Wazani Adamu survived in what may be described as a miracle, unfortunately, Inspector Abdulkadir Garba, who was directly impacted, sadly lost his life with partial burns on his body,” he said.
The police spokesperson described the deceased officer as a dedicated and hardworking policeman who remained committed to maintaining order and serving the public.
“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,” Daso added.
He noted that the incident had left colleagues and residents in shock and mourning, describing the officer’s death as a painful reminder of the unpredictability of life.
“Sometimes, life reminds us how fragile and unpredictable it can be. One moment, duty calls. The next moment, eternity answers,” he stated.
0 Comments