A cloud of sorrow now hangs over the Panshekara community in Kano State following a harrowing incident in which a young man, identified as Suleiman Muntari, deliberately set himself ablaze in a public area, declaring that he was heading to Paradise.
Eyewitnesses say Muntari had been exhibiting erratic behavior in the lead-up to the act. According to those at the scene, he was seen pacing the streets, mumbling incoherently — a pattern many interpreted as a sign of psychological distress.
In a sudden and shocking moment, Muntari reportedly doused himself with petrol and struck a match, engulfing himself in flames before bystanders could intervene.
“He kept repeating that he wanted to go to Paradise. We thought he was just expressing emotional distress. Nobody thought he would actually do something so extreme,” said Saminu Isah, a witness who watched the tragic scene unfold.
Despite frantic attempts by passersby to extinguish the fire, the blaze consumed Muntari rapidly, leaving many onlookers in shock.
Some residents have speculated that the young man may have been under the influence of substances that impaired his mental state. “He wasn’t acting normal. He was shouting strange things, and there was a strong smell on him. You could tell he was not in a stable condition,” recounted Aisha Salisu, a local resident.
As of press time, authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. However, the tragedy has reignited urgent conversations around mental health crises, particularly among the youth, and the growing need for public mental health awareness and intervention mechanisms.
The incident is being investigated, while residents continue to grapple with the trauma of witnessing such a horrifying act in their community.
