Three pupils of the same parents and another pupil were killed by thunderstorm in Gure, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, between 12 midnight and 1am on Wednesday.

Apart from the four dead female pupils, some others were said to be unconscious and had been rushed to the hospital for treatment.

The source said the three children of same parents and the fourth, who came to pass the night with the family, were sleeping when the thunderstorm broke into the wall of the house in which they were sleeping.

The downpour was said to have also rendered several other people in the community homeless.

The Punch correspondent learnt that corpses of victims had been buried in accordance with Islamic rites.

The Chairman of the local government, Mallam Mohammed Omar-Bio, confirmed the tragedy, describing it as devastating and pathetic.

Meanwhile, this year's Children's Day celebration in Oyo State was less glamorous as only a few parents visited venues where children normally meet to mark the day.

The dull celebration was not unconnected with the strike embarked upon by workers in the state.

At the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, there was no activity to mark the day as the gates were locked, although policemen were noticed around the stadium.

Usually, workers and other people visit the venue with their children to celebrate the day, but on Wednesday, no parent was in view as the place remained quiet. It was the same all over at parks and fun venues across the state.

However, churches, some private clubs and individuals ensured that children still had the opportunity to celebrate. At the St. Peter's Catholic Church, Apata, Ibadan, children from the Archdiocese of Ibadan gathered to celebrate the day.

They were engaged in quiz competitions, drama, match past and other events.

It was the same at the indigenous Ibadan club, Omo Aj'orosun Club, as over 1,000 children were hosted and treated to a fun-filled celebration. They were also offered gifts, like T-shirts, books and food items.

The President of the club, Sharafadeen Alli, who was a former Secretary to the State Government, said the club was filling the gap created by the present situation in the country. He said the children were from across all the 11 councils in Ibadan.