Tragedy struck in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Wednesday after a police inspector, Abdulkadir Garba, was struck dead by lightning opposite the headquarters of the Borno State Police Command.
Newsextra24 reports that the deceased officer, popularly known as “Buratai,” was reportedly coordinating vehicle parking with a senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu, when the incident occurred at about 2:19 pm.
Confirming the incident, the command’s spokesperson, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, said the officers had attempted to seek shelter after strong winds signalled an approaching rainfall.
He said they were struck by lightning before reaching safety.
Daso said, “Rain often comes with its own blessings, but this one arrived with a heartbreaking streak of tragedy.
“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.”
The police spokesman said a loud thunderclap was heard shortly before the lightning strike hit both officers. ASP Adamu survived the incident, but Garba was fatally struck and sustained partial burns.
“Unfortunately, Inspector Abdulkadir Garba, who was directly impacted, sadly lost his life,” Daso said.
Daso described the late inspector as a hardworking officer who remained committed to public service despite harsh weather conditions.
He said, “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.”
The police spokesman added that the officer’s sudden death had left colleagues, friends and residents in shock.
“Sometimes, life reminds us how fragile and unpredictable it can be. One moment, duty calls. The next moment, eternity answers,” he added.
