Nigerian Woman Sets Self Ablaze at Tafawa Balewa’s Family Home

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Nigerian Woman Sets Self Ablaze at Tafawa Balewa’s Family Home

A middle-aged Nigerian woman has died after setting herself on fire at the family residence of the country’s first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, in Bauchi State.

The incident occurred on Wednesday when the woman arrived at the historic residence in a commercial tricycle with a gallon of petrol.

She reportedly asked to see Yelwa Abubakar Balewa, daughter of the late Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Bauchi State Orphans and Vulnerable Children Agency.

When told that Yelwa was not at home, the woman moved to the entrance, poured petrol on herself, and struck a match. Her screams drew the attention of bystanders, who tried to put out the fire but worsened the situation.

She was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), where she later died of severe burns.

Police spokesperson, Ahmed Wakil, confirmed the incident and said preliminary findings showed the woman had a history of mental illness that reportedly developed after the birth of her last child.

“She was rescued alive and taken to ATBUTH, where her statement was taken before she eventually passed away. The Command sympathises with her family and prays for Allah’s comfort in this difficult time,” Wakil said.

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Chioma Ndukwu

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