A tragic incident occurred along Panshekara Road in Kano, Nigeria, where a man identified as Suleiman Muntari set himself on fire in front of shocked onlookers.
According to eyewitnesses, Muntari poured petrol over his body and set himself ablaze, saying he wanted to “go to Paradise.”
“He said he wanted to go to Paradise. People thought he was joking, but before anyone could react, he had already poured petrol on himself and struck a match. Within seconds, he was on fire,” said Saminu Isah, one of the witnesses.
Many residents believe Muntari may have been under the influence of drugs, as he appeared confused and was shouting unusual things before the incident.
“He didn’t seem to be in his right mind. You could smell something strong on him, and he was staggering and yelling strange things,” said Aisha Salisu, a nearby resident.
As the fire engulfed him, bystanders tried to help, but their efforts were in vain.
“People screamed and ran. Some tried to pour water on him, but it was already too late,” Salisu added.
A few young men dragged him into a nearby drainage filled with water, but the flames had already done serious damage.
“It was like something from a horror movie. His skin was peeling. The fire didn’t stop right away, even in the water,” said Ibrahim Jafar, a tricycle rider who witnessed the scene.
As of the time of this report, the Kano State Police Command had not issued an official statement regarding the incident.
