Tragedy struck in Bauchi State on Saturday as Superintendent of Police (SP) Mustapha Garba Gumau died in a fatal auto crash less than an hour before his wedding ceremony.
The officer, who was set to tie the knot at 10 a.m. in Magaman-Gumau, Toro Local Government Area, was traveling from Gumau when the accident occurred around 9 am.
He was in the company of three friends, heading to the venue in a Mercedes Benz.
The incident was confirmed in a statement by CSP Mohammed Ahmed Wakil, spokesperson of the Bauchi State Police Command.
Wakil said: “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.”
He explained that at Bargan Tsamiya, the vehicle lost control, veered off its lane, and had a head-on collision with an oncoming Opel Vectra.
“Upon receiving the news, the Commissioner of Police, CP Auwal Sani-Omolori, immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer of Toro Division to mobilise and evacuate the victims to Toro General Hospital.
“Sadly, a medical doctor at the hospital confirmed the groom and two others dead. Their bodies have been released to their families for burial.”
The Commissioner extended his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for divine strength to bear the loss.
Tributes have since flooded social media from friends and well-wishers mourning the officer’s untimely death.
Jameela Adams wrote on Facebook: “Inna lillahi wa inna illahi raji’un. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant them Aljanna firdausi.”
Abdullahi Garba shared a moving reflection: “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 the post about the day has come, unknown to him it’s the day of his death. Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. May Allah forgive Garba Mustapha.”
Another mourner, Usman Abdulhakeem, wrote: “May Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him Al-Jannah Fridaus 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.”
“So sad. May his soul rest in peace. What a bad news,” said Abodurin Taiwo Alamu.
Owolabi Olubusuyi also shared his memories of the late officer: “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 firdous.”
