A man identified as Suleiman Muntari set himself ablaze on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in the Diga area along Panshekara Road in Kano State.
Eyewitnesses reported that Muntari, who was originally from Niger State, poured petrol on himself and ignited it, stating that he wanted to go to “Paradise.”
“He said he wanted to go to Paradise. People thought he was joking, but before anyone could stop him, he had already poured petrol on himself and struck a match. Within seconds, he was on fire,” said a witness, Saminu Isah.
According to the Nigerian Tribune, some residents believed Muntari was under the influence of drugs, as he appeared to be disoriented and shouting strange things before the incident.
“He was not in his right senses. You could smell something strong on him, and he was staggering and shouting strange things,” said Aisha Salisu, a resident.
As the incident unfolded, people nearby tried to intervene, but it was too late.
“People screamed and ran, some tried to pour water on him, but it was already too late,” Salisu added.
Some residents tried to save Muntari by dragging him into a nearby drainage filled with water, but the flames had already caused severe injuries.
“It was like a horror movie. Some young men tried to help by dragging him into the water, but the fire didn’t stop immediately. His skin was peeling,” said Ibrahim Jafar, a tricycle rider who witnessed the incident.
As of the time this report was filed, the state police command had not yet released an official statement regarding the incident.
