Panic and grief have gripped residents of Obidi village in Agwa, located within the Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, following a tragic thunderstorm incident that claimed the lives of three individuals and left four others severely injured on Tuesday evening.
The rare and unsettling natural occurrence has stirred deep concern among locals, many of whom described the event as mysterious due to the absence of a heavy downpour typically associated with such forceful thunderstorms. Eyewitnesses reported that the lightning struck suddenly, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
Confirming the incident, a village elder, Mr. Nze Ike, told journalists that the thunderbolt struck a large tree under which several people had taken shelter during a brief drizzle. According to him, the force of the thunder was so intense that it instantly killed three individuals while severely injuring four others, who were rushed to the hospital and are currently receiving treatment.
“It wasn’t even a heavy rainfall—just a light shower,” Nze said. “The thunder struck the big tree where people were gathered for cover. It was like something we’ve never seen before. Three people died on the spot. The other four are in the hospital fighting for their lives.”
Nze also noted that the tragic event has reignited fears among some community members, especially given past controversies in the area. According to him, some residents believe the disaster may be a repercussion tied to alleged unresolved spiritual issues, including the controversial death of a former traditional ruler.
“There are whispers that this could be a sign of sacrilege or some spiritual warning,” he added. “Some families have gone as far as advising their children not to return to the village until things become clearer.”
Reacting to the development, a prominent community leader, Mr. Collins Ughalla, described the incident as a devastating blow to the Agwa community, recalling that the last time such a natural disaster occurred was decades ago.
“This is a tragedy of great proportions. The entire community is in mourning. It brings back memories of the last similar incident, which happened in the 1980s. We pray for the souls of the departed and for the full recovery of the injured,” Ughalla said solemnly.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Command, Henry Okoye, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report, as calls to his phone did not connect.
The incident has cast a shadow over the community, prompting spiritual reflection and discussions on the need for both physical and spiritual cleansing. Meanwhile, local authorities and traditional leaders are expected to meet in the coming days to address the growing tension and ensure proper support for the affected families.
