Police in Ghana’s Northern Region have launched an investigation into the tragic death of Fatima Abukari, an 18-year-old student at Bimbilla Senior High School. She was shot during the Fire Festival in Bimbilla, Nanumba North Municipality, on Saturday, July 5.
Fatima was hit by a stray bullet as people were marching in a torchlit procession towards the Wampu Dam as part of the festival. She has since been buried according to Islamic traditions.
Investigation Underway, No Arrests Yet
According to Chief Inspector Lukman Neindoo, the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, officers visited the crime scene on the morning of July 6 to collect evidence. BB cartridges were found at the scene, but no arrests have been made so far.
Chief Inspector Neindoo warned the public against owning and using unlicensed weapons, especially firearms. He stressed that the ban on fire festival celebrations in certain areas was not random. “It is not for nothing that the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abukari II, banned the celebrations in the Tamale Metropolis and Sagnarigu Municipality,” he stated. “No one has the right to carry an assault rifle unless it is licensed for a lawful purpose.”
Upcoming Press Conference and Broader Security Concerns
The police announced that a press conference will be held soon to provide updates on this incident and other security matters in the region. This will include information on the recent killing of a youth group member in Tamale.
It’s worth noting that the Fire Festival had been partially banned in some parts of the Northern Region due to increased security concerns. Despite these restrictions, celebrations continued in some communities, including Bimbilla, where this tragic event took place.
