?By Umar Abubakar Ladan.

?The Severe thunderstorms accompanied by lightning continue to pose a deadly threat to rural communities in Jigawa State, Nigeria.

?On June 22, 2026, at approximately 6:15 p.m., a powerful rainstorm followed by intense thunder and lightning struck Gongo Village, under Limawa Ward, about five kilometres from the eastern part of Dutse, the capital city of Jigawa State, Nigeria.

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The lightning strike killed Iliya Alhaji Sabo, a 30-year-old married man with one wife and three children.

?Two other children, Salim Murtala, aged nine, and Hassan Adamu, aged five, sustained injuries during the incident.

?One of the first eyewitnesses, Malam Adamu Mu'azu, popularly known as Adamu Dan Yaya, who is also a cousin of the deceased, recounted the incident.

?"I was inside my house when I heard children shouting. I immediately came outside while it was still raining with thunder and lightning. I found Iliya lying on the ground after being struck by lightning. Two children, Salim Murtala, aged nine, and Hassan Adamu, aged five, had also been injured."

?According to Mu'azu, they rushed the victims to The Hospital. ?"We took Iliya to the Dutse General Hospital, as quickly as possible, but upon arrival, doctors confirmed that he had died."

?The Village Head of Gongo, Malam Yusufu Alhaji Ali, said lightning strikes have become a recurring menace in the community.

?"Lightning strikes our village every year, or sometimes every two years. In some years, it strikes twice. ?To our west, lightning struck and killed an African locust bean tree, while to our east, it struck and destroyed a date palm."

?He appealed to government authorities and relevant agencies to intervene before more lives are lost.

?"Our appeal to the government is simple. If there is anything that can be done to help us, we ask that they come to our aid."

?To better understand efforts aimed at reducing lightning-related fatalities.

?This report spoke with Dr Babagana Abubakar, a member of the Board Committee of the African Centres for Lightning Education Network (ACLEnet).

?He explained that the organisation is dedicated to reducing deaths, injuries, and property losses caused by lightning across Africa.

?"Our organisation is committed to reducing deaths, injuries, and property losses caused by lightning across Africa.We achieve this by improving lightning early-warning systems, educating the public on safety measures, and promoting engineering standards for effective lightning protection."

?When asked about practical safety measures? Abubakar advised the public to:

?" Never seek shelter under trees during thunderstorms. Stay away from rivers, ponds, swimming pools, and metal objects.

If caught outdoors without shelter, assume the lightning crouch position by squatting on the balls of your feet, keeping your feet together, and tucking your head between your knees. Never lie flat on the ground, as electrical currents can travel across the surface.

Indoors, avoid using taps, showers, or plumbing during thunderstorms because lightning can travel through water pipes.

Avoid using corded telephones, desktop computers, or electrical appliances connected directly to the mains power supply.

Stay away from doors, windows, balconies, and concrete walls. Install certified lightning protection systems with proper grounding for homes and public buildings.

Protect valuable electrical equipment by installing surge protection devices".

?Asked how ACLEnet assists vulnerable communities? ?Abubakar explained that the organisation supports communities in four major ways.

First, it helps schools and public institutions install affordable lightning protection systems using locally available materials.

Second, it conducts public awareness campaigns to dispel myths surrounding lightning and educate communities using scientifically verified safety information.

Third, ACLEnet collaborates with universities and professional bodies to train engineers, architects, and technicians on internationally recognised lightning protection standards, including IEC 62305.

Finally, the organisation works with African governments to develop national lightning protection policies and encourage the adoption of international safety standards in the planning and construction of public infrastructure.

Residents say Gongo is not the only community affected by recurring lightning strikes". ?Across Limawa Ward, several neighbouring villages have also suffered repeated losses.

?In Galadanci Village, located about one to two kilometres from Gongo, lightning destroyed a grinding machine owned by a local woman, depriving her of an important source of income.

?Meanwhile, in Tagwaye Village, approximately three kilometres from Gongo, lightning killed several livestock during a storm in 2024.

?Residents say the repeated incidents highlight the urgent need for improved public awareness, stronger lightning protection infrastructure, and increased government intervention to prevent further loss of lives and livelihoods.

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