The Jigawa State Police Command has apprehended a 26-year-old man, Nura Mas’ud, for allegedly setting his 60-year-old grandmother, Zuwaira Muhammad, on fire in a tragic incident that has left the community in shock.

The arrest was confirmed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Lawan Adam, in a statement on Sunday, following the horrifying event that occurred in Mu’azu village, Dan Gwanki ward, Sule Tankarkar Local Government Area.

According to the statement, the tragic event took place on October 8, 2024, at around 4:00 p.m., when Mas’ud, who resides in the same village as his grandmother, entered the family home carrying a petrol canister.

Without warning, he poured the gasoline on his grandmother and set her ablaze. Neighbors rushed to her aid, and she was quickly taken to a nearby hospital.

However, despite efforts to save her, the elderly woman succumbed to the severe burns she sustained.

The attending doctor confirmed her death, and her body was handed over to her family for burial according to Islamic customs.

As news of the incident spread, local authorities launched an immediate investigation, leading to Mas’ud’s arrest. Officers from the Sule Tankarkar Division quickly detained him, and he was later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

During questioning, Mas’ud reportedly admitted to the crime, explaining that his actions were triggered by frustration over his grandmother’s repeated comments about his physical appearance and health.

He claimed that despite warning her several times to stop discussing his health, she continued to express concern, which enraged him to the point of taking the drastic action.

A preliminary investigation into the case revealed that Mas’ud has a documented history of mental illness and has been receiving treatment at Kazaure Psychiatric Hospital.

According to the police, his condition may have played a role in the tragedy, though they are continuing to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the event.

This aspect of the case has sparked discussions about mental health awareness and care, especially in rural areas like Sule Tankarkar, where mental health issues are often stigmatized or misunderstood.

The Commissioner of Police in Jigawa State, A.T. Abdullahi, has ordered a thorough investigation to uncover all the details of the incident.

He stressed that while Mas’ud’s mental health may be a factor, justice must be served to prevent such acts of violence from happening in the future.

Abdullahi assured the public that the case would be handled with diligence, and the suspect will face prosecution once the investigation is complete.

He also called on families and communities to be more vigilant in caring for individuals with mental health conditions and to seek appropriate medical help when necessary.

This tragic event has raised broader concerns about the treatment and care of individuals with mental health issues in Nigeria, particularly in more remote areas where access to mental health services is limited.

Mas’ud’s admission that his grandmother’s concern about his health triggered the attack sheds light on the complex interplay between mental illness and interpersonal relationships, and the potential for these situations to escalate when untreated or poorly managed.

As the investigation unfolds, the community of Mu’azu village remains shaken by the violent act that took the life of one of their elderly members.

Many are left grappling with the senselessness of the tragedy and the need for greater awareness and support for those dealing with mental illness.

The incident also serves as a grim reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues proactively, ensuring that those in need receive the help they require before situations spiral out of control.

The police, in the meantime, have reassured the public that steps are being taken to ensure justice is served, while also calling for calm and patience as the investigation continues.