An Abuja-based herbalist is now battling for his life after a self-inflicted gunshot wound sustained while testing his homemade ‘bulletproof’ charm. The incident, which occurred in Kuchibuyi village within the Federal Capital Territory, has sparked discussions about the dangers of supernatural beliefs intersecting with deadly weapons.
Ismail Usman’s confidence in his mystical abilities led to a near-fatal decision on November 23 when he decided to put his newly created charm to the ultimate test. Armed with a locally fabricated gun and believing himself invincible thanks to his supernatural preparation, Usman shot himself in the stomach. The resulting injury proved that his protective charm was tragically ineffective, leaving him with life-threatening wounds.
The situation quickly evolved into an emergency when concerned residents alerted the police through a distress call. FCT police command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, detailed how officers from the Byazhin Division responded promptly to the scene, finding Usman in critical condition. The severity of his injuries necessitated immediate medical attention, first at Kubwa General Hospital and later at the more specialized Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital, where medical professionals are now working intensively to save his life.
In the aftermath of the incident, police conducted a thorough search of Usman’s residence, recovering not only the homemade firearm used in the failed experiment but also discovering an array of charms. These items now serve as evidence in what has become a complex case involving both traditional practices and modern law enforcement.
The legal implications for Usman are significant. According to police spokesperson Adeh, he will face multiple charges once he recovers, including unlawful possession of firearms and attempted suicide, the latter being a violation of Section 231 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria. This case highlights the intersection of traditional beliefs with modern legal frameworks, raising questions about how society addresses such cultural practices when they conflict with public safety and law.
FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, has taken a strong stance on the incident, emphasizing the inherent dangers of illegal firearms possession. The case serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with combining traditional beliefs with dangerous weapons, particularly in a modern urban setting like Abuja.
This incident sheds light on the persistent belief in supernatural protection in various parts of Nigeria, where traditional practices continue to hold sway despite modernization. The allure of bulletproof charms, locally known as “odeshi” or “ayeta,” remains strong in some communities, occasionally leading to tragic incidents like this one.
The case has garnered significant attention not only for its unusual nature but also for what it reveals about the continuing influence of traditional beliefs in contemporary Nigerian society. It raises important questions about public safety, the regulation of traditional practices, and the need for increased awareness about the dangers of testing supernatural claims with lethal weapons.
As Usman fights for his life in the hospital, his case serves as a cautionary tale about the potentially deadly consequences of mixing traditional beliefs with dangerous weapons. The incident has sparked conversations about the need for better education and awareness regarding the limitations and dangers of such practices, while also highlighting the ongoing challenge law enforcement faces in dealing with illegal firearms possession in the FCT.
The outcome of this case could potentially influence how similar incidents are handled in the future, as authorities grapple with the complex task of respecting traditional beliefs while ensuring public safety and enforcing modern laws. Meanwhile, the medical team at Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital continues their efforts to save Usman’s life, even as he faces the prospect of serious legal consequences once he recovers.
