A disturbing tragedy occurred on Friday, September 12, 2025, in Pelloun, a sector of the Bantiguel Maoundé district located in the rural commune of Bantiguel, Pita prefecture. A man in his forties, Ibrahima M'Bemba Barry, known to suffer from mental disorders, succumbed to severe burns in circumstances that remain unclear. An investigation was opened by the gendarmerie to try to shed light on the facts.

According to initial reports, the tragedy occurred around 7 p.m. in a corridor of the Pelloun market. "We were with a delegation for the referendum campaign when the news reached me. Citizens saw a human figure on fire. They rushed to the scene to intervene. He was alone at the scene. No one knows if he set himself on fire or if he was the victim of a malicious act," explained Elhadj Ibrahima Barry, president of the Special Delegation of the rural commune of Bantiguel, contacted by our editorial staff.

Alerted by the screams and the flames, local residents tried to help him by using sand and earth to extinguish the fire. Despite their efforts, M'Bemba Barry was seriously burned.

The victim was immediately evacuated to the local health center, then referred to the Pita prefectural hospital, then to the Labé regional hospital, before being transferred to Conakry, due to the seriousness of his condition.

"Unfortunately, we learned of his death very early this Sunday morning," confirmed Elhadj Ibrahima Barry.

A sick and isolated man

A former truck driver, Ibrahima M'Bemba Barry had to give up his job due to mental health issues. "It was when I took up my duties that I was informed of his condition. He had disappeared for nearly two weeks, then returned to the village on his own. Regarding possible family conflicts or background, I can't say anything at the moment, as I didn't know him well. The gendarmerie is already working to clarify the exact circumstances of the tragedy," said the president of the special delegation.

The victim's body arrived this Sunday in Bantighel, his native village. His burial is scheduled for Monday, September 15, 2025, according to information gathered from the family. He leaves behind a widow and three children.