Tragedy struck in Bauchi State on Saturday as a senior police officer, Superintendent of Police (SP) Mustapha Garba Gumau, died in a ghastly auto crash barely an hour before his wedding ceremony.
The unfortunate incident occurred around 9 a.m. on his way from Gumau to Magaman-Gumau in Toro Local Government Area of the state, where his wedding fatiha was scheduled to hold at 10 a.m.
According to a statement by the Bauchi State Police Command, the officer, who was in the company of three friends, was involved in a fatal collision at Bargan Tsamiya when their Mercedes Benz lost control and veered off its lane, ramming into an oncoming Opel Vectra.
The spokesman of the command, CSP Mohammed Ahmed Wakil, who confirmed the development, said the tragic crash claimed the lives of SP Gumau and two of his friends.
“The Command is in mourning. SP Mustapha Garba was on his way to attend his own wedding when the unfortunate incident occurred. He was in the company of three friends in a Mercedes Benz.
“At Bargan Tsamiya, the vehicle lost control, veered off its lane, and had a head-on collision with an Opel Vectra coming from the opposite direction,” the statement read.
Wakil further disclosed that upon receiving the distress call, the Commissioner of Police, CP Auwal Sani-Omolori, immediately ordered the Divisional Police Officer in Toro to mobilise and evacuate the victims to Toro General Hospital for urgent medical attention.
Sadly, a medical doctor on duty confirmed SP Gumau and two others dead on arrival. Their remains have since been released to their respective families for burial.
The Police Commissioner, CP Sani-Omolori, has extended his condolences to the bereaved families, praying for divine strength to bear the irreparable loss.
The shocking news of the officer’s death has continued to trigger an outpouring of grief and tributes on social media platforms.
A Facebook user, Jameela Adams, wrote: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljanna Firdausi.”
Another user, Abdullahi Garba, who claimed the officer had posted earlier in the day celebrating his big day, lamented: “This police officer SP Mustapha Garba whose wedding is supposed to happen today just had an accident on the way to his wedding venue at Magama-Gumau. Three hours ago, he shared a post about the day having come, unknown to him it’s the day of his death.”
Also commenting, Usman Abdulhakeem wrote: “May Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus and give the family the fortitude to bear the loss… Aameen.”
For Ugochukwu Prince, the death was a painful irony: “We shall not die on the day of our celebration but shall live to give thanks to our God.”
Abodurin Taiwo Alamu wrote: “So sad. May his soul rest in peace. What a bad news.”
Owolabi Olubusuyi, who recalled personal encounters with the late officer, said: “My personal encounters with Mustapha are sweet memories I won’t forget in a hurry. My prayers and thoughts are with the family you left behind. May God repose your soul and grant you Aljanah Firdaus.”
In another tribute, Gunner Abdul described the deceased as a brave and kind officer: “You have touched a lot of lives, you’re kind to many, you’ve helped many, you always smile. May ALLAH see after your family. Ameen.”
The tragic loss of SP Gumau has cast a shadow over what should have been a joyful day, leaving his loved ones, colleagues, and community in deep mourning.
