A tragic incident occurred in Lapai, the headquarters of Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, where a 14-year-old student lost his life after being struck by lightning. The victim, Yahaya Ibrahim Tafida, was a student of Police Secondary School, Minna.
According to a resident of Lapai, Mohammed Musa, the incident took place around 6pm on Monday, June 8, 2026. The teenager and his friends were playing football at the Government Girls’ Day Secondary School football field when a heavy rain accompanied by a strong windstorm began.
Musa explained that as the weather worsened, the boys sought shelter under a tree. Unfortunately, lightning struck the tree, killing Yahaya Ibrahim Tafida instantly. “When the rain and windstorm started, they could not return home, so they hid under a tree. Suddenly, lightning struck, and the boy died on the spot,” he said.
The sudden and tragic death has plunged the community into deep mourning. Residents expressed shock and grief over the loss of the young student, who was described as a promising and lively individual.
Lightning strikes are not uncommon during severe thunderstorms, but such incidents often serve as a reminder of the dangers of seeking shelter under trees during electrical storms. Authorities have urged residents to take precautions during such weather conditions to avoid similar tragedies.
