How Referee Was Struck Dead By Thunder In Niger | READ DETAILS

A referee, identified as Mustapha Bello, was on Tuesday struck by thunder during a friendly football match played in a community primary and secondary school field in Madalla town, Niger State.

Sharing the news, a Facebook user, Awwal Yarima wrote;

“Innalillahi wa innan ilaihi rain!!!. We lost one of us in Referees in Suleja Also my Coach in Referees. Mallam. Mustapha Bello Grade one referee. May his soul rest in Jannat ul Firdausi. Ameen.”

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, an eyewitness, Muhammed Musa, said the match between Suleja and Madalla youths was on a half-time break around 5:20 pm when the incident happened as it was raining.

While the players and spectators were taking refuge in the classrooms because of the rain, the deceased and his colleague, Inem were said to have returned to the field, beckoning on the players to return to the field as well to continue the game.

However tragedy struck as the duo were at the centre of the pitch. They were rushed to a hospital where Bello was confirmed dead on arrival while Inem was revived.

“It was raining and all the footballers along with their fans were taking refuge inside the school’s classrooms. The referee along with his assistant (lineman) rushed back to the field, demanding the players to join them.

“They were only at the centre of the pitch when the thunder struck. Two of them were rushed to a hospital, where the referee was confirmed dead on arrival while his assistant was revived,” a witness said.