One person has been confirmed dead and three others seriously injured after a mentally unstable man launched a violent attack on residents of Buzzah community in Zing Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The incident happened late Saturday night, around 11:00 pm, when the suspect, identified by locals as Mr. Denis, went on a sudden rampage. Witnesses say Denis, who is widely known in Zing town for wandering the streets in white native attire and pretending to preach, used light weapons during the attack.
The deceased, identified as Hammanyaro Cha’ayonli, reportedly died on the spot, while the other three victims, including two vigilante members, sustained severe injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Zing General Hospital.
According to eyewitnesses, Denis had often displayed strange behavior in public, and some members of the local vigilante group had previously tried to restrict his movements out of concern for public safety. This, sources said, may have led him to see them as enemies.
“He always frowned at those he attacked. He saw them as a threat because they often tried to stop him from moving freely, especially when he looked suspicious,” said a resident who asked not to be named.
Locals said the suspect was known to carry small weapons and had been a source of fear for many in the community. Despite his odd behavior, no formal action had been taken against him until the deadly incident occurred.
The attack has left the peaceful Buzzah community in shock, with many residents calling for better mental health support and increased security to protect lives and property.
Security agencies have launched an investigation into the incident, and efforts are ongoing to determine the exact details of what triggered the attack. Meanwhile, authorities have assured residents that steps are being taken to restore calm and prevent similar incidents in the future.
A police source in Zing confirmed that the suspect has been taken into custody and will undergo a medical evaluation. “We are treating this as a serious matter. Lives have been lost, and we must get to the root of it,” the source said.
Mental health advocacy remains a growing concern in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas where access to mental health services is limited. Incidents like this highlight the urgent need for improved public awareness, early intervention, and better support systems for people dealing with mental health issues.
