By Oki O. Samson
Grief hung heavily in the air as officers of the Nigeria Police Force Course 1, 2010 gathered in solemn unity at the Lagos State Police Command.
They came not to celebrate a promotion or a commendation, but to mourn — to honour the memory of one of their brightest stars, CSP Matilda Umiah Ngbaronye, the late Divisional Police Officer of FESTAC Division.
On Friday, October 24, 2025, the news of Matilda’s death sent shockwaves through the Force. A surgery gone wrong had snatched away a woman whose laughter, leadership, and commitment to duty had lit up every command she served in. Her colleagues, friends, and coursemates struggled to come to terms with the loss, describing her passing as both sudden and devastating.
Dressed in black T-shirts bearing her image and the inscription “REST ON HERO,” officers from different units of the Force converged for a candlelight procession.
The march began at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters and ended at the Police College, Ikeja — the very ground where their policing journey began fifteen years earlier.
The flicker of candle flames illuminated faces streaked with tears as colleagues moved in quiet formation. Hymns filled the night air, punctuated only by the sound of muffled sobs.
Each step carried the weight of shared memories — of laughter, discipline, and unbreakable bonds forged in uniform.
CSP Matilda was more than an officer.
She was a mentor, a confidant, and a bridge between the Police and the people.
Her service spanned critical roles: Deputy Police Public Relations Officer of Lagos Command, DPO of Ilupeju and Iponri Divisions, forensic officer at State CID Panti, and secretary to former Lagos Commissioner of Police, AIG Hakeem Odumosu (retd). Each role, colleagues said, she filled with integrity, warmth, and brilliance.
Her career was a mosaic of excellence — one that earned her awards, commendations, and the admiration of peers and superiors alike. But beyond the uniform, she was known for her smile, her sense of humour, and her ability to treat everyone — from junior officers to civilians — with empathy.
Speaking at the event, Zonal Police PRO, Zone 2 Command Onikan, CSP Umma Tunni Ayuba, delivered an emotional tribute on behalf of the coursemates. “We want Nigerians to understand that police officers are humans too. When we lose one of our own, we hurt deeply. Matilda’s death is a wound that will take a long time to heal,” she said, her voice trembling.
Ayuba described the late officer as a lively and intelligent woman who carried purpose in her stride.
“She spoke multiple languages fluently. She was the one to call when you needed something done efficiently. We began the procession here at the Command because FESTAC was her post, and we ended at the College because it holds our fondest memories together,” she added.
Another mourner, the DPO of Mancenter Division, CSP Ayo Elijah, described Matilda as “a cheerful soul who made the job easier for everyone around her.” He said, “It still feels wrong to use the word ‘was.’
She was a jolly good fellow — always willing to help, always ready to lead. Her legacy is one of kindness and courage.”
CSP Uche Obiora, her close friend and coursemate, could barely contain his tears. “We called each other besties,” he said softly. “She once told me she wanted to become the first female Inspector-General of Police. That was her dream. Losing her feels like losing a part of ourselves.”
For CSP Aliyu, DPO of Oko-Oba Division, the moment was a stark reminder of life’s fleeting nature. “Matilda was my squad mate. She worked hard, loved deeply, and served passionately. Her death teaches us that nothing in life is permanent — all that matters is how well we live.”
CSP Lateef Adisa recalled his last conversation with the deceased with a heavy heart. “We spoke two days before she died.
She mentioned that her child was sick and she couldn’t travel. I never imagined that would be our last talk. I thank God for her life — may we forgive easily and live meaningfully while we can.”
In his tribute, CSP Emeka Jude Umeozor recounted how Matilda mentored him at different stages in his career.
“When she left her post as Secretary to the Lagos CP, I succeeded her. Later, I also replaced her at Ilupeju Division. She prepared me for success both times. She was selfless and dedicated — heaven has indeed gained a legend.”
As the procession reached its quiet conclusion at the Police College, the night glowed with hundreds of candlelights — tiny flames symbolizing one great soul. The officers stood in silence, their hearts united in loss, their memories bound by loyalty and love.
In life, CSP Matilda Umiah Ngbaronye embodied courage, service, and compassion. In death, she has become a symbol of inspiration — a reminder that the truest form of policing lies not in power, but in humanity.
And as the candles dimmed into the night, her colleagues whispered a final farewell: “Matilda, your light will never go out — it will burn forever in the hearts you touched.”
