A Nigerian official named Mustafa Bello was struck by lightning during a friendly game on Tuesday in Niger state.
The deceased, who is a member of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and commonly known as Mustafa Coach 02, tragically died during a game played on the field of the community schools.
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The incident happened during a friendly game between Madalla and Suleja youths with Bello officiating the match.
According to an eye witness, as reported by the Sun, the tragic incident occurred during the half-time break at 5:20 pm.
In this piece, we will consider three factors that led to the tragic incident.
1. Heavy rain
The referee Mustafa Bello was officiating a friendly game between Madalla and Suleja youths on the field of a community school when the rain started.
As seen by eyewitnesses, the rain was very heavy and came with heavy lightning as both teams were playing.
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According to the Sun, who reported the eyewitness statements, Muhammed Musa said, "It was raining, and all the footballers along with their fans took refuge in the school's classrooms.”
The rain started before the start of the second half of the game with many of the players rushing back into the classroom for shelter.
2. He was at the centre of the pitch when the lightning struck
During the course of the heavy rain, it was said that the referee Mustafa Bello rushed back to the field to instruct the players to leave the field.
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According to the Daily Post, “The referee, along with his assistant (a linesman), rushed back to the field, demanding the players join them.
“They were the only ones at the centre of the pitch when thunder struck. Two of them were rushed to a hospital, where the referee was confirmed dead on arrival while his assistant was revived.”
After the incident happened, they were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. However, it was only the assistant that was revived while the referee was confirmed dead.
3. Lightning accidents are common in Niger state
This is not the first time a lightning incident is happening in Niger state, Nigeria. There have been many reports of such incidents in recent years.
In February 2018, two people reportedly died after being struck by lightning on a Friday night in Pogo Village, Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State, according to Punch Newspaper.
At around 8 o'clock in the evening, thunder hit after a brief rainstorm, instantaneously killing 25-year-old Aliyu Salihu and injuring 13-year-old Abbas, both students at an Islamic school. Abdullahi was also injured.
The Punch also spoke to an eyewitness, Malam Salihu Makeri who said, “It was like electric sparks, followed by a heavy thunderstorm which shook the entire community.
“People were screaming in front of my house and when I rushed out, I saw three figures lying under the mango tree.”