Tragedy struck in Kogi Fulani village, located in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State, when a lightning bolt killed two siblings and left another injured during a heavy rainfall.
The sad incident occurred on Monday evening during a thunderstorm that swept through the area. The victims, identified as Basiru Muhammad and his sister, Salamatu Muhammad, lost their lives instantly. Their younger sister, Hafsat Muhammad, was also struck but survived with injuries.
Their father, Malam Muhammad, who spoke with emotion, said the family was heartbroken by the sudden loss of two of his children. “This is a very painful moment for us. We never imagined something like this could happen. They were just inside the compound when the lightning struck,” he said.
According to community members, the thunderstorm began in the early hours of the evening, with loud thunderclaps and flashes of lightning. The victims were reportedly in their family compound when the lightning struck without warning.
“They were not even outside the compound. It just happened suddenly. We heard a loud bang and rushed out, only to see them lying on the ground,” said a neighbour who helped rush Hafsat to the hospital.
The injured girl was quickly taken to a nearby clinic where she is currently receiving treatment. Health workers say she is responding well but remains under observation due to the trauma from the incident.
This tragic event follows an earlier warning issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), which had predicted thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in several parts of the country, including the northern region. The agency had also advised the public to avoid open spaces, tall trees, and metal objects during such weather conditions.
“Lightning is a natural hazard that can be deadly, especially during the rainy season,” a NIMET official said. “People should stay indoors and away from risky areas when thunder or lightning is noticed.”
Lightning strikes are rare but often deadly when they occur, particularly in rural areas where awareness and infrastructure to handle such emergencies are limited.
Meanwhile, the state emergency management agency (SEMA) has been notified of the incident and is expected to visit the affected village to assess the situation and provide necessary assistance.
As Nigeria continues to experience seasonal rainfall, experts warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including thunderstorms and flooding.
Residents are urged to monitor weather updates from NIMET and stay cautious, especially during this peak rainy season.
The remains of Basiru and Salamatu have since been buried according to Islamic rites. The community remains in mourning, with many still in shock over the unexpected loss.
