Lightning kills Police Inspector on duty

by · The Eagle Online

Lightning on Wednesday in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Wednesday killed an Inspector of Police, Abdulkadir Garba.

According to available information, the officer was struck to death opposite the headquarters of the Borno State Police Command.

Garba, popularly known as Buratai, was coordinating vehicle parking alongside a senior colleague and an Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Wazani Adamu, when the incident occurred at about 2:19pm.

The command’s spokesperson, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, confirmed the development in a statement he issued via X.

Daso said the officers had attempted to seek shelter as strong winds signalled an approaching rainfall but were struck by lightning before reaching safety.

He said: “It was on a quiet Wednesday, May 7, 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.”

He said it was not long after that the clouds gathered, adding: “Rain often comes with its own blessings, but this one arrived with a heartbreaking streak of tragedy.”

While Adamu survived the incident, Garba was fatally struck and sustained partial burns, Daso said, adding: “Unfortunately, Inspector Abdulkadir Garba, who was directly impacted, sadly lost his life.

“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.

“Sometimes, life reminds us how fragile and unpredictable it can be.

“One moment, duty calls.

“The next moment, eternity answers.”

Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp

[wpadcenter_ad id='745970' align='none']