Lightning kills 2 women during prayer session in church — The Sun

Chioma Jonathan, 25, and Chinonye Anyanwu, 26, died when they were struck by lightning during the Holy Ghost Hour prayer session of Heavenly Sure Charismatic Church, usually held in the premises of Comprehensive Secondary School, Emekuku, Imo State.

The G.O of the church, Pastor Luke Nwokocha, 54, was also affected and temporarily lost consciousness and was rushed to a hospital where he was revived. They were struck when a heavy rain started and there was a sudden lightning flash followed by the deafening sound of thunder.

The two women, who were in its direct path died instantly, while Nwokocha, who was off the direct path, received a much lower impact, which, however, was strong enough to throw him across the room, cause temporary loss of consciousness and physical injuries on his leg and hands.

Following the incident, the elder brother of Chioma Jonathan reported the case to the Owerri North Divisional Police Station, from where the case was transferred to the homicide department at the headquarters of the Imo State Police Command, Owerri.

The Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, who confirmed the incident said it was a strange occurrence. He added that the cleric was undergoing interrogation. One of the elders of Emekuku community, Godwin John said: “What happened is an abomination. We will consult the elders.”