Six children have died after they were struck by lightning while working on a groundnut farm during a heavy rainstorm in Ganye Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The tragic incident occurred at about 4:00 p.m. in Dadiri Village after hours of heavy rainfall. Three other children who were caught in the incident survived after receiving medical attention.
The victims were reportedly working on a groundnut farm owned by one Musa Maude when lightning suddenly struck the area, leaving all nine children unconscious and triggering panic among residents.
According to sources, the incident was reported to the Ganye Police Station by the Chairman of the Civilian Joint Task Force in Ganye, Mallam Salau Iliya.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer led a team of police officers to the scene, where the victims were found lying unconscious. Three of the children later regained consciousness, while the remaining six were rushed to the Cottage Hospital in Ganye.
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A medical doctor at the hospital confirmed the six children dead shortly after their arrival. The deceased were identified as Aliyu Suleiman, 10; Jafar Suleiman, 8; Abdurrahman Musa, 7; Bilkisu Jibrilla, 10; Musa Ahmadu, 9; and Auwalu Nuhu, 11.
Police said the bodies have been deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy, while the State Criminal Investigation Department has commenced a discreet investigation into the incident.
The tragedy has plunged Dadiri Village into mourning, with grieving families and residents struggling to come to terms with the loss of the six children.
Lightning-related fatalities are uncommon but can occur during severe thunderstorms, particularly in open fields where people are exposed to the elements.
Authorities are expected to continue their investigation while urging residents to seek shelter during thunderstorms to reduce the risk of similar incidents.
News Rangers
