A second-year student of Bimbilla Senior High School, identified as Fatima, was tragically shot dead during the Fire Festival celebration in Bimbilla, within the Nanumba North Municipality of the Northern Region.
The incident occurred on Friday evening, July 5, 2025, when a stray bullet struck the victim during a procession from the Regent’s palace to the Wampu Dam, a traditional ritual route for the symbolic fire throwing.
According to a reporter with Beat FM, Mohammed Abdul-Rashid Natogmah, who was covering the festival, said news of the shooting broke while he and others were still at the palace. They quickly moved to the Bimbilla Government Hospital, where the girl was confirmed dead.
“I was at the palace when we heard someone had been hit by a bullet. We rushed to the hospital, and the dead body was brought in. I even helped in removing the body,” Natogmah recounted.
He also reported that a young lady believed to be Fatima’s friend, who accompanied her to the festival, revealed they had sneaked out of their homes against their parents’ instructions.
“She said the parents didn’t want them to come out, so they secretly left home to witness the festival,” Natogmah added.
Fatima is said to have hailed from the Bayawaya area of Bimbilla.
As of the time of filing this report, the source of the gunshot remains unknown. Police are yet to officially begin investigations into the matter.
Before the incident, the Regent of Bimbilla, Nyelimbolgu Naa Yakubu Andani II, had cautioned the youth to celebrate responsibly and avoid acts that could disrupt the peace and sanctity of the festival, which holds deep cultural significance for the area.
Read also…
Eban‑Akoma oil and gas discovery declared commercially viable
Click on the link to join the OnlineTimesGH News channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for
YOU: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VajF89Q6WaKprDT5mu2V
About The Author
