Bimbilla SHS student kílléd by stray bullet during fire festival procession
Bimbilla SHS student kílléd by stray bullet during fire festival procession
A devastating incident occurred during the fire festival procession in Bimbilla, resulting in the death of an 18-year-old student. The young girl was hit by bullets in her head while participating in the procession, which was headed to Wampu to throw away flaming torches as part of the festival celebration. According to reports, an unidentified man wielding a locally manufactured single-barrel gun mistakenly pulled the trigger, hitting the girl in the head and killing her instantly.
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The police were immediately called to the scene, and the body was conveyed to the Bimbilla hospital morgue. However, the source of the shot remains unknown. This tragic incident has once again brought attention to the dangers of firing live ammunitions during the fire festival, which has received several criticisms in recent years due to the number of casualties recorded annually.
In response to the incident, the king of Dagbon, Ndan Ya-Na Abukari, placed a ban on the celebration of the festival in the greater Tamale Metropolis and Sagnerigu Municipality. The girl has since been buried in accordance with Muslim tradition. This decision comes just days after the Ghana National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons cautioned citizens, particularly in the northern regions, to avoid the use of small arms during the Fire Festival.
The Commission reminded the public that firearms are not toys and their misuse endangers lives. Unauthorised possession and firing of guns is illegal and punishable by law. The spirit of the Fire Festival should be upheld without violence. “The reckless use of firearms during celebrations poses grave risks, including accidental shootings, injuries, and fatalities,” the statement warned.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for caution and responsible behaviour during cultural celebrations. It is essential for authorities to take concrete measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The people of Bimbilla and the wider community are mourning the loss of the young girl, and it is hoped that this incident will serve as a wake-up call to promote a culture of peace and safety during festivals and celebrations.
