…ASP survives
CITIZENS COMPASS— Tragedy struck in Maiduguri, Borno State, following the death of an Inspector of Police, Abdulkadir Garba, following thunder strikes.
The Borno State Police Command confirmed the death on Saturday, in a statement.
The Command said that the inspector popularly known as “Buratai,” was struck while on duty.
Confirming the tragedy, spokesperson for the Command, ASP Nahum Daso, said the incident occurred on Wednesday at about 2.19p.m adding that the deceased who was a traffic officer was on active duty alongside a senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu.
Daso said both officers attempted to seek shelter as heavy rain approached but were hit by lightning before reaching safety.
“Rain often comes with its own blessings, but this one arrived with a heartbreaking streak of tragedy.
“It was on a quiet Wednesday, 7th May, 2026, at about 2:19 p.m., when Inspector Abdulkadir Garba, popularly known as ‘Buratai,’ a police officer widely respected for his dedication, commitment, and passion for duty, was carrying out his routine responsibility of coordinating vehicle parking opposite the Borno State Police Command headquarters alongside his senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu.
“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,” he said.
“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,” Daso added.
“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.
