Tragedy struck in Bauchi on Thursday when a middle-aged woman allegedly set herself ablaze at a family residence and later died from her injuries.
Police spokesperson Ahmed Wakil confirmed the incident to reporters.
He said the woman arrived at the house carrying a gallon of petrol shortly before the act.
According to Wakil, she reportedly asked to see one Yelwa Abubakar Balewa. When told Yelwa was not available, she poured petrol on herself and set her body on fire.
Eyewitnesses quickly rushed her to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH).
Despite efforts by doctors, she died from severe burns.
Wakil added that preliminary findings suggested the woman may have been mentally unstable at the time of the incident.
He quoted Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, as ordering a full investigation into the matter to uncover further details.
The police have assured the public that the case will be thoroughly probed.
The shocking incident has left residents of Bauchi in disbelief, with many calling for more attention to mental health awareness and intervention across communities.