Thunderbolt Kills Middle Aged Man in Edo

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city

A middle-aged man popularly called MC has been reportedly killed by thunder lightning in Aibanegbe Street off New Lagos Road in Benin-city, capital of Edo State.

The incident, which was said to have happened during a heavy downpour last Wednesday evening also left several others injured with lacerations in their hand and legs.

Consequently, residents of the street yesterday insisted that there would be no commercial motorcycle operation in the area as the lightning reportedly hit the victims when they ran to take shelter from the rain on a platform normally used by commercial motor cyclists in the street.

Residents attributed the incident to the use of phones during the rain while others said there is more to it.

A resident of the area who simply gave his name as Ajibola told journalists that “They ran to the point where Okada riders stay to pick and drop passengers when the lightning struck and the man we all know as MC died while some others sustained injuries. The young man was very popular in our street, and I was told he recently went for introduction ahead of his marriage.

“My last child was very close to him because he is a very friendly person. My son has been crying over the matter since. It is because of this that the people in the street stop Okada riders from working today.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Kontongs Bello, could not be reached for comments, but a senior police officer in the state Police  Command said: “We are yet to get that report, but I suspect the family would report to the police station in the area and the DPO will definitely brief the state Commissioner of Police later on.”