The report said that Fatima was struck by a stray bullet amidst the celebrations
A tragic incident has marred the annual Fire Festival at Bimbilla, as a young girl, identified as Fatima, was shot dead after allegedly sneaking out to witness the celebration despite her parents’ disapproval, according to a myjoyonline.com report.
Fatima, a form two student of Bimbilla Senior High School, reportedly left home secretly with friends to join the festivities in the Nanumba North Municipality of the Northern Region.
According to reports, her parents had earlier warned her not to attend the event.
The incident occurred during a procession from the regent’s palace to the Wampu Dam on July 5, 2025, where festival-goers traditionally throw fire to mark the occasion.
The report said that Fatima was struck by a stray bullet amidst the celebrations.
Speaking to reporters, Mohammed Abdul-Rashid Natogmah of Beat FM, who was present at the palace, recounted how news of the shooting reached them.
“I was at the palace when we heard the incident, so we rushed to the hospital, and the dead body was brought in. I even helped in removing the dead body,” he narrated.
Natogmah added that a young lady, believed to be Fatima’s friend, revealed that they had defied their parents’ instructions by sneaking out to the festival grounds.
“When we asked, the lady told us the girl was from an area called Bayawaya in Bimbilla, and her name is Fatima. She said their parents didn’t want them to come out, so they hid and sneaked to the scene,” he explained, the report said.
The identity of the person who fired the fatal shot remains unknown, and the police have yet to launch formal investigations into the matter.
The Regent of Bimbilla, Nyelimbolgu Naa Yakubu Andani II, who earlier cautioned revelers against any acts that could mar the celebration, expressed concern over the tragic development.
He reminded the youth of the festival’s cultural significance and called for peaceful and responsible conduct in future events.
AM/AE
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