Teen Hunter Dies from Accidental Gun Discharge at Wedding in Gombe

By Our Correspondent

A 19-year-old hunter, identified as Tanko Abubakar, has died after being struck by a bullet from his own firearm following an accidental discharge at a wedding ceremony in Gombe State.
The incident occurred at about 5 p.m. on Boxing Day at the Alkahira Quarters area of Gombe metropolis, where the victim was attending a marriage celebration.

Details of the incident were first shared by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama on X, who disclosed that Abubakar attempted to fire a loaded Dane gun into the air during the ceremony.

The weapon reportedly malfunctioned, prompting the teenager to examine it.
According to Makama, the gun discharged accidentally as the victim looked into the muzzle, with pellets striking him in the head.

He was immediately rushed to the Specialist Hospital in Gombe, where he was confirmed dead. His remains were subsequently deposited at the hospital morgue, and his family was informed of the development.

Confirming the incident, the Gombe State Police Public Relations Officer, Buhari Abdullahi, said the deceased was participating in the celebration when the tragic accident occurred.

Abdullahi explained that the Dane gun got stuck while Abubakar attempted to fire into the air, and in the process of checking the muzzle to determine the fault, the weapon discharged and fatally wounded him.

He said the police promptly responded to the report and evacuated the victim to a nearby medical facility, where he was certified dead by medical personnel.

Describing the incident as an accidental discharge, the police spokesperson cautioned members of hunters’ associations and local security outfits to exercise extreme care while handling locally fabricated firearms, including Dane guns and pump-action weapons, to prevent similar tragedies.