Tragedy struck in Niger State, Nigeria as Mustapha Bello, a Nigerian referee, lost his life after being
struck by lightning while officiating a friendly match.
The incident occurred on Wednesday at
a community primary and secondary school field in Madalla town.
Bello was fulfilling his duties as the officiating official in a match between students from
Madalla and Suleja when the unfortunate event took place.
According to reports, the incident occurred during halftime, as rain started to fall and the players and spectators sought shelter in the classrooms.
However, Bello and his assistants made the decision to return to the pitch and called the
players to join them. It was during this time that tragedy struck. Lightning struck the referees,
leaving them critically injured.
They were immediately rushed to the hospital, but sadly, Bello could not be saved, and he was pronounced dead.
The news of Bello’s passing sent shockwaves through the football community, and his
untimely demise was met with deep sadness and condolences. To honor his memory and in
accordance with his faith, Bello was laid to rest on the same day in Suleja town.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and dangerous nature of
lightning storms, particularly when individuals are exposed in open areas.
The safety of players, officials, and spectators should always be a priority, and precautions must be taken to ensure their well-being during adverse weather conditions.
The Nigerian Football Federation and various football organizations expressed their
condolences to Bello’s family, friends, and colleagues.
They highlighted the loss of a dedicated referee who had contributed to the sport and called for measures to be put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This unfortunate event also raises awareness about the importance of educating athletes,
officials, and fans about lightning safety and implementing protocols to protect everyone
involved in outdoor sports activities. Guidelines should be established to guide decisions
regarding match continuation or suspension in the event of inclement weather.
The passing of Mustapha Bello serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with
outdoor sports and the need for vigilance in ensuring the safety of all participants. May he
rest in peace, and may his family find solace in this difficult time.
