A tragic road accident in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State has claimed the lives of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Toro, SP Mustapha Garba, and another man identified as Mr Shaaibu Cheski, 45, from Gumau Town.
The fatal crash occurred on Friday, June 14, 2025, at around 11:30 am along the Bargar Tsamiya road. The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the incident on Sunday.
According to police sources, the late DPO was traveling in a Mercedes car with two passengers, en route from Gumau to Magama Gumau to attend his own wedding Fatiha. Sadly, the journey ended in tragedy.
The accident happened when the vehicle driven by the DPO hit a pothole, causing him to lose control. The car reportedly veered into the opposite lane and collided with a stationary Opel Astra parked beside the road. The driver of the Opel Astra had reportedly left his car to attend to his nearby farm before the crash occurred.
The Mercedes somersaulted into the bush following the collision. SP Mustapha Garba and Mr Shaaibu Cheski were rushed to the General Hospital in Toro but were confirmed dead while receiving treatment.
Two other passengers sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention, police sources added.
The death of SP Garba, who was well-known and respected in the local policing community, has thrown the area into mourning. Many residents expressed shock over the loss, particularly as the officer was on his way to one of the most important events of his life — his wedding.
The incident highlights the persistent danger of poor road conditions in parts of Bauchi State and Nigeria at large, where potholes and poorly maintained roads continue to claim lives.
Police authorities have expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased.