By our correspondant, Abakaliki.
Tragedy struck the Ebonyi State Police Command on Wednesday morning as a senior security officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Ogbon-Inu Taiwo Popoola, slumped and died during a management meeting at the Command Headquarters in Abakaliki.
The incident occurred at about 10:30 a.m. while the meeting was ongoing at the office of the Commissioner of Police. Witnesses said ACP Popoola, who was the Officer-in-Charge of the State Intelligence Department (SID), suddenly developed severe breathing difficulties and began gasping for air.
He was immediately rushed to the Police Medical Centre within the headquarters, where medical personnel made frantic efforts to resuscitate him. Despite prompt medical attention, the senior officer was pronounced dead shortly after.
Preliminary medical reports indicated that ACP Popoola died from cardiac arrest secondary to hypertensive heart disease.
His remains have been deposited at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital (AE-FUTHA 1) mortuary in Abakaliki.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Ebonyi State Command, DSP Joshua Ukandu, described the death as a painful and significant loss to the Command and the Nigeria Police Force at large.
The Ebonyi State Police Command expressed deep sorrow over the sudden passing of the officer, describing ACP Popoola as a committed, disciplined, and professional officer who served the force diligently until his last moments.
The Nigeria Police Force has since extended condolences to the family, colleagues, and loved ones of the deceased, while prayers continue to pour in for the repose of his soul.
