Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Divisional Police Officer of Festac Town Division, Matilda Ngbaronye, describing her passing as a colossal loss to the Nigeria Police Force and the state.
Ngbaronye reportedly died on Friday after undergoing surgery at Mayriamville Medical Centre, Bode Thomas, Surulere, Lagos.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu commiserated with the Police Service Commission, the Lagos State Police Command, the deceased’s family, friends and the Festac community.
He said, “The death of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Festac Town Division, Lagos State, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Matilda Ngbaronye, who reportedly passed away on Friday following complications from surgery at a private hospital in Lagos, was a colossal and irreplaceable loss.”
The governor described the late officer as a respected and diligent policewoman who was passionate about maintaining security and upholding integrity in service.
“Late CSP Ngbaronye was a dedicated, committed and professional police officer who devoted her life to the service of the Nigeria Police Force.
“She served passionately, and her service record in different positions reflected integrity, diligence, dedication and commitment to duty,” Sanwo-Olu added.
He further extended condolences to her immediate family, associates, and colleagues, praying for divine comfort in their grief.
“On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Lagos State, I express my heartfelt condolences to the late CSP Ngbaronye’s family, friends, associates, Lagos Police Command and the Police Service Commission.
“I pray that God will give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and grant CSP Matilda Ngbaronye eternal rest,” the statement read.
PUNCH Online had reported that the spokesperson for the Lagos Police Command, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the death of the DPO on Saturday, as she described her as a disciplined and upright officer whose approach to policing strengthened the bond between the police and the community.
She noted that details of her burial arrangements would be communicated in due course.
