An early morning firestorm ripped through the quiet neighbourhood of Kabong in the Gada Biyu vicinity of Jos North local government area of Plateau state, leaving no less than 10 people dead and 25 shops and homes completely destroyed.
A man, his wife, and their children were among the victims.
The incident, which happened around two in the morning on Saturday, was reportedly caused when a high-tension wire broke and landed on a transformer that was feeding a nearby neighbourhood.
Every possible item within reach, notably electronic devices like music systems, refrigerators, fans, and air conditioners, were set ablaze by the lightning’s shockwave, which is claimed to have extended to surrounding shops and apartments.
Eyewitnesses reported that as commodities and personal belongings caught fire, the lightning sent several colours into the sky.
While some of the victims passed away immediately, our correspondent learned that others passed away at the hospital they were brought to, Bingham University Teaching Hospital (Jankwano).
Six people were slain, according to police public relations officer Alfred Alabo, who confirmed the occurrence.
He stated that a power surge was thought to be the culprit.
Alabo stated: “We are conducting an investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident, but we believe a power surge was to blame.”
