Tragedy: 14-Year-Old Boy Struck Dead as Thunderstorm Hits Football Field
A 14-year-old student of Police Secondary School, Minna, identified as Yahaya Ibrahim Tafida, has died after a thunderstorm struck Lapai in Niger State. The incident occurred during a sudden downpour accompanied by strong winds.
The tragedy happened around 6 p.m. on Monday at the Government Girls’ Day Secondary School football field in Lapai, the headquarters of Lapai Local Government Area. The student was reportedly playing football with friends when the weather changed abruptly.
According to a resident, Mohammed Musa, the rain started heavily, forcing the children to seek shelter. The group reportedly ran under a tree to avoid the storm. Moments later, lightning struck the area.
Musa explained that the strike hit while the teenager and others were still under the tree. Yahaya was said to have died instantly at the scene. Other children nearby escaped without reported injuries.
Residents described the incident as shocking and deeply painful. Many said the community has been thrown into mourning since the event occurred. The sudden loss has also raised concerns about safety during extreme weather conditions.
Local sources noted that thunderstorms are not uncommon in the area during the rainy season. However, fatalities of this nature are rarely reported, making the incident particularly distressing for residents.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, were unsuccessful. His phone line was unreachable at the time of filing this report, and he did not respond to messages sent to him.
As the community mourns, residents are calling for greater awareness about lightning safety, especially among school-aged children.
