In a startling and dramatic scene on Wednesday morning, a man identified as Benjamin Agaba believed to be in his 30s set himself on fire just meters from the main gate of Parliament. The incident, which unfolded shortly before 9:40 a.m., left onlookers stunned and prompted a swift response from nearby police officers.
An eyewitness recounted the harrowing moment, describing how the man calmly doused himself with petrol before igniting the flames. “It happened so fast,” the witness said. “One minute he was standing there, and the next, he was engulfed in fire. It was terrifying.” Clad in distinctive yellow trousers, the man’s identity remains unknown as authorities work to piece together the circumstances surrounding this desperate act.
Police stationed near the Parliament gate sprang into action, rushing to extinguish the flames and provide immediate assistance. Their quick intervention ensured the man was promptly transported to a nearby hospital, where he is receiving urgent medical attention. Details about his current condition have not been released, leaving many questions unanswered.
The motive behind this shocking act of self-immolation remains a mystery. Was it a protest, a personal crisis, or something else entirely? Investigators are still in the early stages of their inquiry, and officials have yet to comment beyond confirming the incident. The area near the Parliament gate, typically bustling with activity, was cordoned off as authorities assessed the scene.
This unsettling event echoes rare but similar incidents globally, where individuals have resorted to self-immolation as a form of expression or despair. For now, the public waits for more clarity as the investigation unfolds.