By Abdul Lauya
Balaifi village in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State was thrown into deep mourning yesterday after a thunderstorm killed three people at a grinding machine spot, leaving the entire Dadiya community shaken.
The victims, Mr Writing Samson, the machine operator; Mrs Nogali Gowon; and Miss Rachael Anthony, were struck dead around 4 p.m. while operating and patronising a grinding machine during heavy rainfall.
The machine, owned by Mr Sule Bariba, was reportedly running in the middle of the downpour when lightning struck, killing all three instantly.
Locals who spoke with Eye Reporters believe the metallic parts and sound of the engine may have attracted the deadly bolt.
Confirming the incident to Eye Reporters this morning, the National President of the Dadiya Community Development Association Worldwide (DACODA), Mr Yusuf Dogari, described the incident as “tragic and unprecedented tragedy that has left not just Balaifi, but every Dadiya person around the world in mourning.”
“It is painful beyond words. To bury three of our own in one day is something we never imagined.
“This incident has shaken us to our core, and we must take lessons from it.
“Henceforth, heavy machinery should never be operated during rain. We cannot afford to lose more lives like this,” Mr Dogari told Eye Reporters.
He added that efforts are underway to contact Lamurde LGA authorities, the Adamawa State House of Assembly member for Lamurde, Hon Bauna Myandasa, and the Federal House of Representatives member for Demsa/Lamurde/Numan, Hon Kwamoti Laori, to provide immediate relief and long-term support to the affected families.
Mr Felix Tollaba, a resident of Loswang, neighbouring Balaifi settlement, told Eye Reporters that the community was still in shock over the sudden deaths.
“We were all inside because of the rain when we heard the loud thunder. Minutes later, news spread that three people had died at the grinding spot. It was like a bad dream,” he said tearfully.
Another resident and former Deputy Chairman, Lamurde LGA, Mr Emmanuel Philemon, warned that rural communities must take lightning dangers more seriously.
“Many of us have heard that lightning can be dangerous, but until it kills someone close to you, you don’t realise the risk. This is a wake-up call,” he said.
Mr Dogari urged all operators of heavy-duty equipment in the community to stop work during rainfall to prevent similar tragedies.
Efforts by Eye Reporters to reach local government authorities and political leaders for comment were unsuccessful due to telecommunication network disruptions.
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