Thunder Strike Kills Okirika Fisherman

A violent thunder struck on Saturday, instantly killing an Okrika fisherman, Mr, ThankGod Iyoyo Kurukuru, close to the island shores at Awolome-Biri, in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The fisherman, in company of his partner, had barely started the day’s expedition with little catch when light rains began.
The Tide learnt that shortly after the rains began, lightening and subsequent thunder struck the fisherman into the river, and cut the fishing canoe into two halves.
It was gathered that Kurukuru’s partner was unhurt after the thunder strike.
However, it took a swift search party of swimmers to recover the charred remains of the fisherman.
He was immediately buried according to Okrika traditional rites concerning such violent deaths.
The Tide gathered that there are deep beliefs among the Okrika-speaking people that such thunder strikes occasioning deaths are related to the community’s deity when owed for too long after a fulfilled supplication.
According to the tradition, such debtors are shown countless signs as reminder to pay debts owed the deity, while the thunder strike is often the final penalty.
The Tide could not have independent confirmation, if the fisherman’s plight was one of such.