A sombre cloud hangs over Bimbilla Senior High School (SHS) and the entire Bimbilla community following the tragic death of a female student, Fatima, who was struck by a stray bullet during celebrations of the Bugum Chugu (Fire Festival) on Saturday, July 5.
According to eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred during the height of the festival when a celebrant allegedly discharged a firearm, hitting the student in the neck.
She reportedly died instantly. Security officials have since transported her body to a local hospital morgue.
The loss has sent shockwaves through the school and community, with many expressing outrage over the careless use of firearms despite multiple warnings from authorities.
The Fire Festival, celebrated annually by the Dagombas and other ethnic groups in the Northern Region, is traditionally marked by the lighting of torches and vibrant night processions.
However, in recent years, it has increasingly been accompanied by gunfire and the use of explosives, raising growing concerns about public safety.
Prior to this year’s celebrations, the Nanumba North Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) had issued clear warnings to residents and celebrants to refrain from discharging firearms or using dangerous weapons during the festival. Sadly, those appeals were ignored by some participants.
This incident comes in the wake of an earlier directive from the Overlord of the Dagbon Traditional Area, Ya-Na Abukari II, who announced the cancellation of the Fire Festival in Tamale and its environs, citing rising tensions and the need to protect public peace and unity.
“This decision comes in response to emerging tensions amongst certain factions in the area and reflects a deep commitment to safeguarding peace, unity, and the safety of all citizens,” the Ya-Na stated in a communique issued last week.
The revered traditional leader appealed to traditional rulers, opinion leaders, and youth groups to support efforts aimed at maintaining calm and order throughout the region.
Fatima’s death has reignited national discussions on the need to strictly regulate traditional festivals, especially where celebrants handle firearms or explosives. The incident underscores the deadly consequences of defying safety protocols and failing to enforce festival-related regulations.
Community leaders and school authorities have called on law enforcement agencies to investigate the source of the firearm and arrest the individual responsible for firing the fatal shot.
In the wake of the tragedy, residents, students, and civil society groups are urging the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, regional security councils, and traditional authorities to review and enforce strict guidelines governing cultural celebrations involving pyrotechnics and firearms.
Meanwhile, the management and student body of Bimbilla SHS are mourning the loss of their classmate. The school is expected to hold a memorial service in Fatima’s honour in the coming days.
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