What was meant to be a joyous celebration turned into a devastating tragedy in Unguwar Liman, Magama Jibia area of Katsina State, as a 10-year-old boy lost his life to a stray bullet during a wedding ceremony.
The incident occurred around 2:50 p.m. on Friday during the fatiha (Islamic marriage rites) of a member of the Nigerian Hunter Group. According to eyewitness accounts, a member of the group, identified as 45-year-old Adamu Idris, fired a shot into the air using a locally made rifle—part of a celebratory practice that, while culturally familiar in some parts of Northern Nigeria, remains extremely dangerous.
Tragically, the bullet struck 10-year-old Malam Yusuf in the stomach, and also injured a 25-year-old woman, Shamsiyya Salisu, in the waist. Both victims were immediately rushed to the General Hospital in Jibia by residents and local police operatives. Sadly, doctors pronounced the boy dead upon arrival. The woman remains hospitalized and is currently receiving treatment.
The Katsina State Police Command has since confirmed the incident, stating that Idris was arrested at the scene. Officers recovered a locally fabricated rifle, one live cartridge, and one expended cartridge from the suspect. According to a police source, a preliminary investigation is already underway, and charges will be filed upon its conclusion.
The tragedy has sparked widespread grief and outrage in the community, with local residents and leaders condemning the reckless use of firearms at public gatherings. Many are calling for stricter enforcement of laws against celebratory gunfire and urging traditional and religious institutions to educate their communities about the deadly consequences of such practices.
As the family mourns the loss of young Malam Yusuf, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need to curb dangerous celebratory customs before more innocent lives are lost.
– Deeprows News
