Joy turned to grief in Bauchi State on Saturday as a police officer, Superintendent Mustapha Garba Gumau, lost his life in a ghastly motor accident less than an hour before his wedding ceremony.
The intending groom was on his way from Gumau to Magaman-Gumau in Toro Local Government Area for his wedding fatiha, scheduled for 10 am, when the tragic crash occurred around 9 am.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Bauchi State Command, CSP Mohammed Ahmed Wakil, the incident happened at Bargan Tsamiya when a Mercedes Benz conveying SP Garba and three friends collided head-on with an Opel Vectra coming from the opposite direction.
Wakil said, “The vehicle lost control, veered off its lane, and had a head-on collision. Sadly, a medical doctor at the Toro General Hospital confirmed SP Mustapha Garba and two others dead on arrival.”
The Commissioner of Police, CP Auwal Sani-Omolori, was said to have immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer of Toro Division to evacuate the victims.
The statement further stated, “The Command is in mourning. SP Mustapha Garba was on his way to attend his own wedding when the unfortunate incident occurred.”
The bodies of the deceased have since been released to their families for burial according to Islamic rites.
The tragic loss has sparked an emotional outpouring on social media, as friends, colleagues, and sympathisers flooded the internet with tributes.
Jameela Adams wrote: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljanna Firdausi.”
Abdullahi Garba 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. Three hours ago, he shared a post about the day—unaware it would be his last. Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un.”
Usman Abdulhakeem prayed: “May Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus and give the family the fortitude to bear the loss… Aameen.”
Ugochukwu Prince added, “We shall not die on the day of our celebration but shall live to give thanks to our God.”
Owolabi Olubusuyi, reflecting on his personal experience with the deceased, said, “My encounters with Mustapha are sweet memories I won’t forget in a hurry. May God repose your soul and grant you Aljanah Firdous.”
Gunner Abdul wrote: “Brave OFFICER, you have touched a lot of lives, you’re kind to many, you always smile. May ALLAH see after your FAMILY. Ameen.”
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