Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of three students who were reportedly struck by lightning while playing football over the weekend.
The unfortunate incident occurred during a training session at Tansi International College in Okpuno near Awka, as the students prepared for a friendly match amidst rainfall.
Soludo, speaking through his Press Secretary, Mr Christian Aburime, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the Tansi International College community, the grieving students, and the families who lost their beloved children. The governor recognized that the students’ deaths resulted from the devastating effects of electrostatic discharge from lightning on the school premises in Anambra State.
Acknowledging the profound impact of this loss on the state, Governor Soludo offered sincere prayers to the Almighty, seeking strength for both the school and the bereaved families to cope with this irreplaceable loss.
In order to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future, Governor Soludo earnestly urged students to seek shelter indoors and avoid outdoor activities once rain begins to fall, as lightning can strike without warning.
The governor identified the deceased students as Obi Francis Chukwunwuike from Nteje in Anambra State, Obeta Michael Uchechukwu from Nsukka, Enugu State, and Usulor Chidubem Emmanuel from Ezza, Ebonyi State. The students ranged in age from 16 to 19 years old.
Tragically, these three students were among nine others who were also affected by the incident but did not survive.
