In a bizarre incident in Kuchibuyi Village which occurred on 23rd November at Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a local herbalist sustained severe injuries after attempting to test the effectiveness of a self-made ‘bulletproof’ charm by shooting himself in the stomach with a locally fabricated gun.
The herbalist, identified as Ismail Usman, reportedly carried out the dangerous experiment to demonstrate the protective powers of the charm. However, the charm failed to work, leaving him with life-threatening injuries.
Following a distress call from a resident, Shandam Michael, a police team from the Byazhin Division arrived promptly at the scene. The injured man was rushed to Kubwa General Hospital for emergency treatment and later transferred to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital for further medical care.
A subsequent search of Usman’s residence led to the recovery of the locally made firearm and a collection of charms believed to have been involved in the incident.
The FCT Police Command has confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will face charges for attempted suicide under Section 231 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria.
Olatunji Disu, FCT Commissioner of Police, condemned the incident, highlighting the dangers associated with illegal firearms. “This situation illustrates the serious risks of engaging in reckless behaviour. We strongly advise the community to avoid such dangerous practices.”
SP Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer for the FCT Command, stressed the importance of community vigilance. “It’s crucial for residents to look out for one another and report any suspicious activities.”
As investigations continue, the police remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents.
This incident highlights the dangers of superstitious practices and underscores the importance of seeking scientifically proven methods to address safety concerns.
