A thunder strike struck and killed a Nigerian referee inside the field while he was officiating a match in Niger State, North-Central Nigeria.

Mustafa Bello, the late referee was struck by thunderstorm while taking charge of a friendly match in Madalla, Niger State on Tuesday

Mustafa was a member of the Nigerian Referees Association, NRA in Niger State met his tragic death Tuesday evening during the match played in Madalla on the community’s school field between Suleja and Madalla Youths

It was gathered that the match was on half time break around 5:20 pm when the incident occurred.

“It was raining and all the footballers along with their fans were taken refuge inside the school’s classrooms. The referee along with his assistant (line man) rushed back to the field, demanding the players to join them.

“They were only at the centre of the pitch when the thunder struck. Two of them were rushed to a hospital, where Sulaiman was confirmed dead on arrival while his assistant was revived,” an Eyewitness told Daily Trust

A family member of the deceased, who simply gave his name as Ibrahim, said Ibrahim was buried Wednesday morning in Suleja town where he lived.