One is reminded of Sango, the god of thunder and lightning following a recent bizarre incident in Issele Azagba community, within the Delta State Capital Territory last week. The incident caused havoc in the community, taking some lives.
It was reported that the lightning struck when 12 footballers including their coach and the referee were having a five aside at Osemeke Primary School field. The aftermath of that incident left two dead with others sprawling on the ground and were revived after some minutes. It was like those who survived were sent back on their way to their final destination. Iam sure those lucky ones were told “to go and play ball no more”. Would they have the heart to go and romance the round leather game again? There is this adage that says “an animal that escapes from a trap would always dread traps whenever he sees one”. Since the day of the incident, questions have been asked whether the lightning was normal or sent by evil forces. Why would thunder strike those little children who were having fun like Ronaldo. Why would ‘Sango’ kill the Messis of tomorrow? Why, why and why.
Sango is a god of lightning and thunder with a family of large group of followers throughout the world. Common in Yoruba area of Nigeria, it is called the god of thunder, lightning and justice. It is the major deity of the religion of the Yorubas and could be found among the Binis in Edo State of Nigeria. The Binis refer to him as Esango while the Fon people from the same Edo State call him Sogbo or Ebioso.
Like all of the Yoruba gods, Sango is both a defied ancestor and a natural force. Both aspects are usually linked to a cult and priesthood.
Fearful as it may, it was reported that a subordinate Chief in Old Oyo empire challenged him and defeated him in a battle. The story had it that Ogun, Sango’s brother envious of his power and influence convinced Sangos wives to reveal the source of his power which they obliged. Not wanting to be put to shame in the eyes of his subjects, Sango committed suicide by hanging himself. He has the ability to punish his enemies by utilising his ability to control thunder hence the title, god of thunder.
Sango was also recounted to have entered into matrimony with three District wives, Oya, Oshun and Oba. Oya is the goddess presiding over the Niger River and is afflicted with the elements of wind, storm and transformation. Sango commands formidable power. His abilities extend to summoning thunderstorms, hurling lightning bolts and eliciting thunderous roars that resonates through the earth. It is perceived as a symbol of social justice and a force against oppression. It is often said that people use Sango to fight presumed enemies.
The question then is who did these little children offend and why did they become the target of such evil intention.
Analysts have argued that Sango can be tamed using modern technology and suggest that the government should equip our schools with thunderstorm arrestor.
A critical look at houses built these days will confirm that each and every of such houses available has a thunderstorm arrestor. Some even installed the industrial arrestor that covers an area. The essence of this is to forestall what happened to the young boys in Isselle Asagba.
In that regard, the government should not wait till such incident will happen again, rather should take the bull by the horn. Industrial thunder arrestor should as a matter of fact be installed in all primary, Secondary and tertiary institutions in the state. Builders or contractors should be told to include thunderstorm arrestor when constructing classrooms.
No doubt, every state is at risk of thunderstorm and unfortunately, we don’t pay attention to weather forecast in Nigeria to gather information weather and find out if when it is safe to go outside or not.
While we urge every school to consider buying surge protector, lightning rods or a lightning protection system to protect their schools and homes our Children should also be educated on what to do when thunder roars. They should go indoors completely or cars with a roof. They should also avoid using electronic devices connected to an electric outlet. The primary and critical protective action against lightning is to be inside a sturdy building.
The unfortunate incident in Isselle Asagba could have been avoided if the people had adhered to thunder signs. However, lessons learnt and this is a warning to all of us in the World of Sports. Anytime, thunder roars, stop whatever Sports you are involved in and take shelter.
