A lightning strike in Gambiri village, located in the Bauchi State Local Government Area of Bauchi State, has claimed the lives of three individuals, including a pregnant woman and a nursing mother. The incident occurred on Monday, August 17, 2026, around 5:29 pm, when lightning struck the room where the victims were staying.
Victims Identified by Resident
Abubakar Hussain, a resident of the area, told Daily Trust on Thursday, August 20, 2026, that the victims were killed instantly. He identified them as Hauwa Juli, who had delivered her baby just seven days prior, and her daughter, Fatima. The third victim, Habiba, was a pregnant woman and a sibling of Hauwa Juli.
According to Hussain, the victims were buried around 11 am on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. He noted that the newborn baby of Hauwa Juli survived the incident. “One miraculous thing that happened is how Almighty Allah has protected the newborn baby of Hauwa Juli from the calamity,” he said.
Community in Mourning
Hussain added that the incident caused deep shock and grief among residents, disrupting economic and social activities as the community mourned the victims. The tragedy has left the village in a state of mourning, with many residents struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss.
The Bauchi State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, confirmed the incident to the publication. “Yes, it is true that a thunderstorm has killed three people in Gambiri village,” he said.
Police Confirmation and Impact
The confirmation from the police underscores the severity of the event, which has drawn attention to the dangers of lightning strikes in rural areas. The surviving newborn baby, now without a mother, has become a focal point of community support, with residents rallying to provide care.
The incident has disrupted normal life in Gambiri village, as economic and social activities ground to a halt while the community processes the tragedy. The loss of three lives, including a nursing mother and a pregnant woman, has left a lasting impact on the village, with many calling for increased awareness and safety measures against lightning strikes.
