The deceased, who hailed from Damaiwa village in the Bursali ward of Zaki Local Government Area, had ventured into the Damaiwa forest with these four individuals to evaluate the effectiveness of a magical charm designed to shield him from bullets. Regrettably, when a locally-crafted firearm was discharged to examine the charm's efficacy, it failed, resulting in his untimely demise.

The Public Relations Officer of the Bauchi State Police Command, Ahmed Wakil, conveyed this information through a statement issued to journalists in the state on Tuesday. He explained that upon receiving reports of the incident, the police promptly responded and transported the victim to the hospital. Unfortunately, a medical doctor certified him as deceased.

Wakil, a Superintendent of Police, further disclosed that two of the suspects were immediately apprehended, while the rest, who had fled the scene, are currently being pursued by law enforcement.

He stated, "On October 31, 2023, at approximately 8:30 am, information received from the officer-in-charge of the Bursali Police Outstation under Zaki Division revealed that one Danladi Ya’u, a male (28) from Damaiwa village in Bursali ward, Zaki LGA, Bauchi State, who is a traditional healer, along with three other accomplices, presently on the run, ventured into the Damaiwa forest with the sole intention of testing a bulletproof charm on Muhammadu Ali, a 43-year-old male from the same area.

"Unfortunately, during the process, Muhammadu Ali was shot with a locally manufactured firearm by the said Danladi Ya’u (the defendant).

"Upon receiving the report, a team of detectives, led by the DPO of Zaki, immediately sprang into action, rushed to the scene, and transported the victim to the General Hospital in Jakusko, Yobe State, for medical attention, where he was pronounced dead by a medical doctor.

"Furthermore, two suspects were swiftly apprehended, and rigorous efforts are underway to locate and apprehend the fleeing accomplices. The investigation is ongoing, and once completed, the defendants will be charged in court."

Wakil emphasized that the public should take this tragic incident as a cautionary tale and avoid being used as instruments to jeopardize the lives of innocent and hardworking citizens, as every human life is of great significance and must be treated with utmost respect and reverence.

The police assured the family, friends, and loved ones of the deceased that the Bauchi State Police Command would maintain impartiality and ensure that justice is served to all parties involved.