Bimbilla, Northern Region – July 6, 2025
A tragic incident has cast a shadow over this year’s Fire Festival celebrations in Bimbilla as a second-year student of Bimbilla Senior High School, Abukari Fatima, lost her life after being struck by a stray bullet during the festivities on the night of Saturday, July 5.
The incident, confirmed in an official statement by the Nanung Peace Initiative (NPI), marks the first time such a fatality has occurred in the history of the town’s Fire Festival—a celebration deeply rooted in cultural heritage and tradition.
According to the NPI, no other injuries or casualties were reported during the festival, which otherwise proceeded peacefully under heightened security supervision.
The young victim was laid to rest on the morning of Sunday, July 6, at the Bimbilla Cemetery. A final prayer (dua) will be held in her memory on Tuesday, July 8, at the residence of Dr. Rashed, located in the Japanese area of Bimbilla.
The NPI, a local peace advocacy organization, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and used the occasion to commend the security services for their professionalism. “They did all they could within human limits—announcing, warning, educating, and maintaining a visible presence throughout the festival,” the statement read. “But as believers, we know that what Allah wills, none can change.”
The organization also extended its appreciation to traditional and religious leaders for their persistent efforts in discouraging the use of firearms during the festival. Despite multiple announcements and appeals from elders, the municipal chief executive, and law enforcement agencies, some individuals reportedly defied these calls for restraint.In a heartfelt appeal directed especially to the youth, the NPI lamented: “A young, promising daughter has been laid to rest—her dreams silenced, her future cut short by a reckless act that could have been prevented. We weep not only for her but for the state of a society where some of our youth continue to ignore leadership guidance.
”The group urged the youth to reflect on the consequences of their actions, stressing that the pursuit of peace and obedience to authority are essential for community development and personal safety. “Do not let your life become a story of regret. A life without direction only leads to destruction,” the statement added.
As investigations continue, the NPI has called on the public to remain calm and cooperative with authorities, while encouraging all stakeholders to double down on efforts to ensure such incidents never recur.
The organization concluded with a solemn prayer: “May Allah, the Most Merciful, grant Abukari Fatima and all departed souls Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.”
The tragedy has since drawn widespread sympathy and sparked renewed calls for stricter enforcement of firearm bans during cultural festivities in northern Ghana.
Source : Issifu Alidu Laa-Bandow//zaaghana.com
