A local herbalist’s attempt to test a self-made bulletproof charm ended disastrously when he shot himself in the stomach with a shotgun, leaving him with severe injuries.
The incident, reported to the FCT Police Command by a concerned resident, Shandam Michael, occurred in Kuchibuyi Village and has since garnered widespread attention.
The herbalist, identified as Ismail Usman, had claimed his charm could protect him from gunshots but was gravely mistaken.
Officers from the Byazhin Police Division responded promptly to the scene, finding Usman in critical condition.
He was initially taken to Kubwa General Hospital for emergency care and later transferred to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital for advanced treatment.
A subsequent search of Usman’s home revealed a homemade shotgun and a collection of charms believed to be part of his ill-fated experiment.
Police investigations are ongoing, and the herbalist faces potential charges for unlawful possession of firearms and attempted suicide, as stipulated under Section 231 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, condemned the act, emphasizing the dangers of illegal firearms and reckless behavior. This situation illustrates the serious risks of engaging in such dangerous practices. We urge the community to steer clear of actions that endanger lives, he said.
SP Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, reiterated the need for vigilance within the community. “Residents must remain watchful and report any suspicious activities promptly. Community safety is a shared responsibility,” she stated.
As investigations proceed, the police reaffirm their commitment to ensuring the security of residents while discouraging hazardous and unlawful practices.
LV