By Adamu Abdullahi
Residents of the Kayarda community in Kuje Area Council have been left in shock following a bizarre and tragic incident in which a man was allegedly killed by a smoker who claimed he acted based on a dream.
According to Mallam Haruna, the suspect confessed that he had dreamt about the victim the previous night and became convinced that the dream was a warning that the man posed a threat to his life.
Acting on this irrational belief, the suspect reportedly confronted the victim near a busy roadside market and fatally attacked him.
Eyewitnesses described the incident as both surreal and horrifying.
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“He kept shouting about a dream, saying the man had wronged him in his sleep. Nobody understood what he meant until he pulled out a weapon,” said a shopkeeper who witnessed the confrontation.
Community leaders have condemned the killing and called for greater public awareness of mental health issues and the dangers of untreated psychological conditions.
“This tragedy shows how unchecked paranoia can lead to violence. We must take mental health seriously,” a local activist said.
The victim’s family has demanded justice, while residents are calling for tighter security around public spaces to prevent similar incidents.
Growing Concerns Over Safety
Residents say the area, particularly Kayarda Junction and Zamfara Garage, has become increasingly unsafe, with traders forced to close early and commuters avoiding the vicinity after dusk.
Despite repeated complaints, residents say law enforcement presence remains minimal. Although occasional patrols disperse groups of smokers and troublemakers, they often return within hours.
Community members accuse authorities of neglect, while health officials warn of rising respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke.
Observers say the situation reflects a broader challenge of urban disorder, where poorly managed public spaces become breeding grounds for social vices, violence and public health concerns. Without decisive intervention, residents fear the area could become a permanent hotspot for insecurity and health risks.
Voices from the Community
Mallam Hamidu Musa, a trader, said:
“We used to sell until late evening. Now, once the smokers gather, we pack up early. Customers don’t want trouble.”
A commuter described the experience of passing through the area:
“It’s like walking through a battlefield. You never know when a fight will start.”
A concerned mother added:
“My children cough every day. The smoke is killing us slowly.”
As dusk falls, traders hurriedly close their shops, commuters quicken their pace, and the smokers remain— their laughter echoing through the haze.
For many residents, Kayarda Junction and Zamfara Garage have become stark reminders of what happens when public spaces are left unattended and communities are forced to live amid disorder and fear.
