BAUCHI POLICE ARREST HUNTER AFTER 13-YEAR-OLD DIES IN GUN ACCIDENT

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old hunter, Suleiman Hamza, following the death of a 13-year-old boy who was fatally injured after allegedly pulling the trigger of a loaded Dane gun. The incident occurred on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Udubo village in Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State. According to the police, Hamza had returned from a hunting trip at about 4:30pm and left the loaded firearm unsecured inside his room before stepping out.

The deceased, identified as Mubarak Mohammed, was said to have entered the hunter’s room and picked up the firearm before pulling its trigger. The weapon discharged, causing injuries that proved fatal. Police detectives attached to the Gamawa Divisional Police Headquarters were immediately mobilised after the incident was reported and rushed the teenager to the General Hospital, Gamawa, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead.

The police said a post-mortem examination and other necessary documentation were conducted before Mubarak’s remains were released to his relatives for burial in accordance with Islamic rites. The command said the preliminary investigation has been concluded, while the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a more detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The incident has renewed concerns about the dangers of leaving firearms loaded and within the reach of children or other unauthorised persons. Bauchi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, said Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu expressed sadness over the boy’s death and cautioned hunters and other firearm owners to exercise maximum care when handling and storing their weapons.

The police commissioner stressed the importance of keeping firearms securely stored and inaccessible to children in order to prevent avoidable deaths. While investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding Mubarak’s death, the arrest of the hunter is expected to help authorities establish the circumstances that led to the firearm being left loaded and unsecured inside the room.