Tragedy Strikes in Niger State as Lightning Claims Life of 14-Year-Old Student

A devastating incident occurred in Lapai, the headquarters of Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, where a 14-year-old student named Yahaya Ibrahim Tafida lost his life to a lightning strike. The incident happened on Monday, June 8, 2026, around 6pm while Tafida, a student of Police Secondary School, Minna, was playing football with friends at the Government Girls’ Day Secondary School football field. As the weather turned harsh with rain and a strong windstorm, the youngsters sought shelter under a tree. According to a resident, Mohammed Musa, 'When the rain and windstorm started, they could not return home, so they hid under a tree. Suddenly, lightning struck, and the boy died on the spot.' The community has been thrown into mourning following the tragic loss of the young student.