BAUCHI, Nigeria – A tragic misfire during a test of a bullet-proof charm resulted in the death of a 43-year-old man in Nigeria’s Bauchi State, local police authorities report.
Muhammadu Ali, a villager from the area, was shot dead while assessing the efficacy of a charm meant to repel bullets.
The incident, involving a locally made firearm, occurred under the guidance of a traditional healer who believed the charm would protect Ali.
Police spokesman Ahmed Wakil confirmed to The Trent on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, that the healer has been detained in connection with the shooting.
“The victim was rushed to the hospital following the incident but was pronounced dead upon arrival,” said Superintendent Wakil, who provided immediate updates on the situation and confirmed the arrest of the traditional healer and two others.
Several additional suspects linked to the incident are still at large.
Supt Wakil issued a stern warning to the public, urging them to avoid participating in hazardous tests of unverified protective charms.
“We implore the community to refrain from such dangerous acts that may lead to harm or even death,” he stated.
The practice of using charms with purported magical properties, including those claiming to be bullet-proof, is not uncommon in various parts of Nigeria.
People often turn to traditional healers for such amulets to address different personal security concerns. Unfortunately, this is not the first instance of such charms failing, sometimes with fatal consequences.
As police continue their investigation into this latest incident, the suspects in custody are expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of the inquiry.
