ARUA – Police have confimed the death of 10 boys between 11-16 years who were killed by lightning at a football pitch near Odramacaku trading center, Anzuu parish, Ayivu division in Arua city.
According to the Police Spokesperson West Nile SP Angusia Josephine, the incident happened at about 6pm in the evening of Thursday, August 27,2020 when the children took a shelter from rain in a grass thatched structure next to the pitch.
The deceased are Andrua Samuel 16years, Awia Kennedy 13years, Andama Godfrey 13years, Bati Gasper 15years, Afeku Saviour 13years, Edema Jasiri 15years, Ocatre Patrick 13years, Asite Jordan 11years, Apajobo David 12years, Tom 13years, all male juveniles.
“The children were playing at the pitch before taking a shelter from rain. Their bodies were being taken by relatives for burial,” she said in a statement.
She further revealed that the 4 survivors some of who are still receiving treatment from a near by clinic are Ayikobua Martin 11years from Nyaute village, Munguci Boniface 14years from Nyaute village, Adriko Yofasi 14years from Gbuluku village and Andama Festo 9years from Gbuluku village.
“Meanwhile out of the 4 survivors, 3 are still receiving treatment at a near by health centre,” said Angucia.
She said it is a rainy season with a lot of lightening in WestNile and other similar incidences have been confirmed elsewhere in the same region.
“May the souls of the deceased rest in peace and may the almighty God comfort the bereaved families in this trying moment. As for the injured, we pray for quick recovery,” reads an excerpt.
