A tragic incident unfolded on Friday in Kano State when a traffic officer with the Kano Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA) lost his life after being forcefully pushed off a moving truck. The shocking event has left the local community in mourning and has raised serious concerns about the safety and working conditions of traffic enforcement officers in the state.

Eyewitnesses reported that the officer, whose identity was later confirmed as Abubakar Musa, was performing his regular duties along Zaria Road when he attempted to apprehend a truck driver violating traffic regulations. According to accounts, Musa had managed to climb onto the truck in an effort to bring it to a halt. However, in a sudden and violent move, the truck driver allegedly pushed him off the vehicle while it was still in motion.

Musa reportedly hit the asphalt road headfirst, sustaining severe injuries. Passersby rushed to his aid and immediately called for emergency services. Despite efforts to save him, Musa was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital.

The Kano State Police Command has since launched a full-scale investigation into the incident. According to police spokesperson SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the truck driver fled the scene immediately after the act but was later apprehended through a coordinated manhunt involving various security units.

“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate event. The suspect is now in custody and is cooperating with investigators. He will face the full wrath of the law,” Kiyawa stated during a press briefing on Saturday. He further emphasized that the police would ensure a thorough and impartial investigation.

The management of KAROTA also released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of one of their own. The statement, signed by the agency’s spokesperson Nabilusi Na’isa, described Musa as a dedicated and hardworking officer who had committed himself to maintaining order on Kano’s busy roads.

“This is a huge loss not only to KAROTA but to the entire state. Abubakar Musa was known for his discipline, bravery, and sense of responsibility. We condemn this senseless act in the strongest terms and urge all drivers and road users to respect traffic laws and cooperate with our officers,” the statement read.

The tragic death has sparked conversations across Kano about the dangers faced daily by traffic officials, who often work in extremely hostile environments with little protection. Many citizens took to social media to voice their anger and call for better safety measures for KAROTA officers, including the provision of body cameras, protective gear, and greater police backup during risky operations.

“It’s high time the government took serious steps to protect those who risk their lives to maintain sanity on our roads,” said Aisha Lawan, a local activist. “No one deserves to die in the line of duty simply because they are doing their job.”

Others have called for stiffer penalties for drivers who assault or endanger the lives of traffic personnel, suggesting that harsher laws would serve as a deterrent to future incidents.

In response to public outcry, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf issued a statement extending condolences to Musa’s family and pledging the state government’s support. He also ordered a comprehensive review of operational protocols for traffic management personnel.

“The safety of our public servants is paramount. We must ensure that those who serve the people of Kano are protected and valued. We will leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrator to justice and preventing such tragedies in the future,” Governor Yusuf said.

The late Abubakar Musa is survived by his wife and three young children. According to family sources, he had been with KAROTA for over six years and was widely respected among his peers and superiors. Plans are underway for his burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

Meanwhile, KAROTA has announced that a candlelight vigil will be held in honor of Musa’s memory. The agency also called for a moment of silence across the state’s traffic units to remember the fallen officer.

As Kano residents continue to mourn the loss, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the perils faced by those tasked with ensuring public order and safety. For many, Musa’s death has become a symbol of the urgent need for reforms that prioritize the welfare and security of frontline workers.