A 26-year-old man, Nura Mas’ud, has been arrested for allegedly setting his grandmother, Zuwaira Muhammad, on fire in Mu’azu village, Dan Gwanki ward, Sule Tankarkar Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The incident occurred on October 8, 2024, when Mas’ud poured gasoline on his 60-year-old grandmother and ignited it at their family house. The elderly woman eventually passed away while being admitted to the hospital due to severe burns.
According to DSP Shiisu, spokesperson for the Jigawa Police Command, Mas’ud confessed to the crime, stating that his grandmother’s concerns about his physical appearance and health upset him. “He warned her on several occasions but she refused,” DSP Shiisu said.
“The suspect admitted to committing the alleged offence against her. He claimed that the late grandmother upset him by expressing concern about his physical appearance and health, which he did not want,” DSP Shiisu explained.
A preliminary investigation revealed that Mas’ud suffers from mental illness and has been receiving treatment at Kazaure Psychiatric Hospital. This shocking incident highlights the need for greater support and resources for individuals struggling with mental health issues.
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DSP Shiisu stated, “On 8th October, 2024, at about 1600hrs, the Command was notified of a sad and regrettable incident that occurred in Mu’azu village, Dan Gwanki ward, Sule Tankarkar LGA.”
“The Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, CP AT Abdullahi, directed the State Criminal Investigation Department, Dutse, to thoroughly investigate the case and vigorously prosecute the perpetrator in order to deter others from repeating it,” DSP Shiisu added.
The incident serves as a disturbing reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked mental health issues and the importance of addressing concerns in a constructive and respectful manner.