It was a day laden with grief, shock, disbelief, and solemn reflection as the coursemates of the late CSP Matilda Umiah Ngbaronye gathered to mourn their own, a woman they described in glowing words as lively, courageous, vibrant, and deeply committed to her duty in the Nigeria Police Force. The Police officers who were members of the Nigeria Police Force Course 1, 2010 and also enlisted alongside her on April 10, 2010, recalled her life of service and dedication, and the shocking suddenness of her passing.
Donning black T-shirts with the picture of CSP Matilda Ngbaronye in front and the “REST ON HERO” caption at the back, the coursemates held a candlelight procession which began at the Lagos State Police Command and terminated at the Police college, Ikeja where they were trained during their course in 2010. Throughout the procession, the coursemates were united in their assertion that a great soul never dies.
CSP Matilda Umiah Ngbaronye, who served as the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in FESTAC, Lagos, was celebrated not just as a fine officer, but as a dependable friend, sister, and role model to many. Her colleagues, drawn from different formations across the country, spoke in intense sadness, each of them painting the portrait of a woman who lived for service, diligence, unity, and excellence.
She was a one-time Deputy Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Lagos State Police Command; the DPO of Ilupeju division; the DPO of Iponri division; the forensic officer at State CID, Panti; and Secretary to former Lagos CP, AIG Hakeem Odumosu (retd). She was known for her professionalism, discipline, and commitment to duty throughout her sterling career in the Nigeria Police which made her earn many awards and recognitions both locally and internationally. Her friendly disposition and humane approach to policing greatly helped her to bridge the gap between the Police and the public she dutifully served.
Speaking on behalf of the coursemates, the Police PRO at Zone 2, CSP Umma Ayuba, expressed deep sorrow on the loss and the humanity behind the badge: ‘We are members of Course 1, 2010. We enlisted into the Nigeria Police on April 10, 2010. We want Nigerians to know that each time we lose a person, we are deeply hurt, we are humans too. We are like everyone in the society because even when we retire after 35 years, we are going back to the same society. Every Policeman works according to the extant laws. If the bad ones among us do something bad, it doesn’t mean everyone is bad.We want Nigerians to share in our grief.”Matilda died untimely, she died at the peak of her career. Matilda is a lively person, when you want things done, put it in her hands, she will get it done. She speaks Igbo, Hausa, English, and many other languages well. We are very grateful to God that she lived a life of purpose.
We started our candlelight procession from the Lagos State Police Command because she is the DPO in FESTAC under the Command and we proceeded to the college because this place is very significant for all of us. This is where we were all trained. There are a lot of memories here.I want to sincerely thank everyone of us. Matilda is not just a colleague but a sister and helper to all of us. She lived a life that was very impactful. We thank Almighty God.’
Another coursemate, CSP Uche Obiora said in deep sorrow: ‘I am still in shock because we are very close. We call ourselves besties but you know as time goes on and we got married and started having children, we lose touch. Matilda has prospects, she said she wanted to be the first female IGP, in fact I am still in shock but she lived her life to the fullest.’
The DPO of Oko-oba division, CSP Aliyu shared his pain, reflecting on the brevity of life: ‘She is my squad mate and we were very close when we were in school. She is so dedicated. The lesson we should learn from her death is that life is not a permanent place, it is short, nothing is worth it in life. There is no way you will meet her and not like her.’
Another coursemate, CSP Lateef Adisa recounted his last conversation with the late officer: ‘The Wednesday prior to the death we spoke as I had an assignment in her jurisdiction. She told me about how one of her children was sick and she couldn’t travel any longer as planned. We were both at State CID Panti in fact I chose her office for her when she resumed. I thank God for her life. There is no human without shortcomings, if there are any issues, let’s forgive. God be with us all.’
CSP Nwozor spoke with reverence for her professionalism and mentorship: ‘The person who brought us here is a legend. When she left as CP secretary, I was the one who succeeded her and she really carried me along playing a vital role in my success. When she was moved out of the Ilupeju division, I again replaced her there and she told me things that made me excel there. Nobody knows the date when death will come, heaven is real, hell is real.’
The DPO of Mancenter, CSP Ayo Elijah described her as a cheerful soul who left lasting footprints: ‘Matilda was a jolly good fellow. She was a very great help to many of us as we grew together in the Police. It still tasted sour in my mouth to say ‘was’. We have this to rejoice that she left a landmark. May the Lord Jesus rest her soul.’
CSP Matilda’s life, though cut short, at a young age was one of service, excellence, and inspiration. She lived gallantly and left behind memories that will continue to echo in the hearts of those who served alongside her.