How Lightning Killed Six Children From Same Family On Groundnut Farm

Dadiri-Tirgali village in Ganye Local Government Area of Adamawa State has been thrown into deep mourning following a tragic lightning strike that claimed the lives of six children from the same extended family.

The heart-wrenching incident occurred on Sunday afternoon during a sudden, heavy rainstorm as the family members were working together on their groundnut farm.

🌩️ What Really Happened?

According to eyewitnesses and family sources, the children and adult relatives were busy harvesting groundnuts when dark storm clouds quickly gathered over the village. As the rainfall intensified, they decided to pause their work and seek shelter underneath a large tree, using a single umbrella to huddle close and keep warm.

Moments later, a massive bolt of lightning struck the very tree they were taking refuge under.

One of the survivors, Sa’adatu Isa, who was at the scene with her 15-month-old daughter, shared her painful account of the tragic moment:

“We were just talking and waiting for the rain to stop when suddenly there was a loud sound. It was followed by a bright flash of light, like someone shining a very powerful torch at us. After that, I remembered nothing. We all collapsed. I only regained consciousness later after family members came to rescue us.”

🕊️ Names and Ages of the Victims

Medical personnel at the General Hospital in Ganye confirmed six of the young family members dead:

• Abdulrahman Musa – 7 years old
• Musa Ahmadu – 9 years old
• Aliyu Sule Maunde – 10 years old
• Jaafar Sule Maunde – 10 years old
• Auwalu Nuhu – 11 years old
• Bilkisu Jibrin Maunde – 20 years old

Four other victims—including Sa’adatu Isa, her toddler daughter, and two young boys—sustained severe shock and injuries. They were rushed to Ganye General Hospital, where emergency treatment was administered before some were discharged.

💔 Community in Shock & Official Reaction

The entire Ganye Chiefdom has been plunged into grief as sympathizers continue to visit the bereaved household to pay their respects. The deceased children have since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites.

The Executive Chairman of Ganye Local Government Area, Daniel / Puren Kamsobi, expressed profound sadness over the tragedy. While offering condolences to the grieving family, he urged residents to exercise extreme caution during thunderstorms:

“People should strictly avoid taking cover under isolated tall trees or uncompleted structures whenever it is raining.”

⚡ Safety Tips During Thunderstorms

This tragic event serves as a solemn reminder of how dangerous thunderstorm lightning can be. Keep these safety precautions in mind when a storm hits:

1. Avoid Trees: Never seek shelter under tall, isolated trees during a thunderstorm. Lightning naturally targets the tallest objects in an area.
2. Get Off Open Fields: If caught in an open field or farm, lower your elevation immediately—do not act as the highest point in the space.
3. Avoid Water & Metal: Stay clear of wire fences, farm implements, and bodies of water, which are strong conductors of electricity.
4. Seek Sturdy Indoors: Move inside a fully enclosed building or a hard-topped vehicle whenever possible.