A tragic incident has shaken the community of Unguwar Liman, Magama Jibia in Katsina State, as a 10-year-old boy, Malam Yusuf, lost his life after being hit by a stray bullet during a wedding celebration.
The heartbreaking event took place around 2:50 p.m. on Friday, during the wedding fatiha of a member of the Nigerian Hunter Group. What began as a joyous gathering quickly turned into a scene of chaos and mourning after celebratory gunfire went horribly wrong.
According to eyewitnesses, the suspect, a 45-year-old man named Adamu Idris, allegedly discharged a locally fabricated rifle into the air to mark the occasion. Unfortunately, the shot struck young Yusuf in the stomach and also injured a 25-year-old woman, Shamsiyya Salisu, in the waist.
Emergency responders and nearby residents rushed both victims to the General Hospital in Jibia. Sadly, the young boy was pronounced dead upon arrival by medical personnel, while Salisu was stabilized and is currently receiving treatment for her injuries.
Following the incident, the Katsina State Police Command confirmed the arrest of the suspect. A locally made firearm, one live cartridge, and one expended cartridge were recovered from him at the scene. Authorities assured the public that an investigation has already commenced and the suspect will face prosecution once all findings are concluded.
The news of Yusuf's death has ignited widespread condemnation from local residents, traditional rulers, and human rights advocates. Many expressed deep frustration over the continued use of live ammunition at civilian gatherings, especially weddings and naming ceremonies, which has led to numerous avoidable tragedies across the country.
Community leaders in Magama Jibia have called for stricter enforcement of gun control laws and education on the dangers of celebratory gunfire. They emphasized that this reckless tradition, often meant to symbolize joy, must be stopped before more innocent lives are lost.
As Yusuf’s family prepares for his burial, tributes have poured in from friends, relatives, and well-wishers. Many have described him as a cheerful and respectful boy whose life was cut short in a completely senseless manner. The local government has also promised to assist the grieving family during this difficult time.