Abuja Herbalist Hospitalized After Testing Failed ‘Bulletproof’ Charm

 

A bizarre and tragic incident unfolded in Kuchibuyi village, located in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on November 23, when a herbalist, identified as Ismail Usman, attempted to test the efficacy of a self-made ‘bulletproof’ charm. The experiment went horribly wrong, leaving him with life-threatening injuries.

Usman, a well-known herbalist in the community, reportedly fortified himself with a charm he had prepared, believing it would render him invulnerable to bullets. Confident in his creation, he picked up a locally fabricated gun and shot himself in the stomach. However, the charm failed to work as intended, resulting in severe injuries that have left him fighting for his life.

The shocking event was confirmed in a statement by Josephine Adeh, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command. She revealed that the police were alerted to the incident through a distress call from a concerned resident, Shandam Michael.

Officers from the Byazhin Division responded promptly, finding Usman in critical condition at the scene. He was immediately rushed to Kubwa General Hospital for emergency treatment. Due to the extent of his injuries, Usman was later transferred to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital, where medical experts are working tirelessly to stabilize him.

In the aftermath of the incident, the police conducted a search of Usman’s residence. During the operation, officers recovered the homemade gun he used and a collection of charms, including the failed ‘bulletproof’ charm central to the incident.

Adeh confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that Ismail Usman will face legal consequences for his actions. He is expected to be charged with unlawful possession of firearms and attempted suicide, offenses that fall under Section 231 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, strongly condemned the reckless behavior, emphasizing the dangers associated with illegal firearms and unregulated traditional practices. Disu highlighted the tragic consequences of such misguided experiments, urging the public to abandon dangerous and illegal activities in the name of superstition or unverified beliefs.

The incident has sparked widespread discussion, both online and offline, about the role of traditional beliefs in contemporary society. Social media platforms have been buzzing with reactions to the news, ranging from shock to outright ridicule.

One Twitter user commented:
"I’ve always said that foolishness is in some people’s DNA. This man really believed his charm would stop a bullet? Now he’s in the hospital. Let’s hope others learn from this."

Usman’s case has opened up a broader conversation about traditional practices, the legality of self-proclaimed herbalists, and the misuse of firearms in Nigeria. While some argue that traditional beliefs should be respected, others emphasize the need for regulation and accountability to prevent incidents like this.

The legal charges against Usman further complicate the narrative. Should he recover, he will have to answer for his actions in court, which raises the question of how such cases should be handled within the context of cultural practices and modern laws.