Tragedy in Bauchi as Woman Sets Self Ablaze at Tafawa Balewa Family House

A tragic incident occurred in Bauchi State on Friday when a middle-aged woman, believed to be mentally unstable, set herself on fire inside the family residence of Nigeria’s late Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

The woman, said to be the daughter of a deceased Sharia court judge in Bauchi, arrived at the residence in a commercial tricycle while carrying a gallon of petrol. Upon arrival, she reportedly asked to see Yelwa Abubakar Balewa, one of the late Prime Minister’s daughters and Chairperson of the Bauchi State Orphans and Vulnerable Children Agency (BASOVCA).

When told that Yelwa was not available, the woman allegedly poured petrol on herself at the main entrance of the house and struck a match. Eyewitnesses attempted to extinguish the flames but were unable to prevent her from sustaining life-threatening burns.

She was immediately rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), where doctors battled to save her life. Despite efforts, she later succumbed to her injuries.

The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, CSP Mohammed Ahmed Wakil, who described the event as “most unfortunate.”

“On the 26th of September, at about 11:05 a.m., an unidentified woman, who is now deceased, went to the family house of late Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. After being told the person she sought was not at home, she brought out a gallon of petrol and set herself ablaze,” Wakil said.

He added that the woman was rescued alive and admitted at ATBUTH, where police managed to take her statement before she passed away. During interrogation, she reportedly claimed she did not know the liquid she carried was petrol, insisting she thought it was water.

Neighbours and acquaintances later disclosed that the woman had a history of mental illness, which reportedly began after the birth of her last child. Her psychological struggles are believed to have played a role in the tragic decision.

Her remains have since been released to her family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

The Bauchi Police Commissioner, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered a discreet investigation into the matter to determine the circumstances that led to the incident. The Police Command also extended condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for their strength during this difficult period.