Tragedy struck in Maiduguri on Wednesday after a police inspector, Abdulkadir Garba, was killed by lightning opposite the headquarters of the Borno State Police Command.
The deceased officer, popularly known as “Buratai,” was said to be coordinating vehicle parking alongside a senior police officer, ASP Wazani Adamu, when the incident happened at about 2:19 p.m. The officers were reportedly on routine duty before heavy winds and rainfall started in the area.
Confirming the incident, the command’s spokesperson, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, said the two officers attempted to take shelter after noticing signs of rainfall, but lightning struck them before they could reach safety.
According to Daso, a loud thunderclap was heard moments before the lightning strike hit both officers. While ASP Wazani Adamu survived the incident, Inspector Abdulkadir Garba died after sustaining partial burns from the strike.
The police spokesperson described the late officer as a dedicated and hardworking policeman who remained committed to his duty despite the harsh weather condition. He said the officer died while serving the public and carrying out his official responsibility.
Daso added that the sudden death of Inspector Garba had left his colleagues, friends and many residents in shock and mourning. He noted that the incident was a painful reminder of how sudden and unpredictable life can be.