No fewer than four persons have been confirmed dead, while 18 others sustained varying degrees of injuries following a stampede during the distribution of Ramadan Zakka in Kofar Guga Quarters, Katsina State.
The tragic incident, which occurred around 9pm on February 26, threw the community into mourning as residents scrambled for safety amid a surging crowd at the residence of a philanthropist, Alhaji Dahiru Usman Sarki.
Confirming the development in a statement on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Katsina State Police Command, Abubakar Aliyu, said a distress call was received at the Central Police Station in Katsina reporting that a large crowd had gathered for the annual Zakka distribution, leading to a stampede.
He said operatives were immediately deployed to the scene to restore order and evacuate victims.
“Upon receipt of the report, a team of policemen promptly responded to the scene. The victims were rushed to the nearest hospital for medical attention. Unfortunately, four of the injured later succumbed to their injuries,” the statement read.
The deceased were identified as Bilkisu Mamman, 40, of Kerau Quarters; Ihsan Musbahu, 40, of Abattoir Quarters; Aisha Sani, 16, of Kofar Sauri Quarters; and Salamatu Kabir, 45, of Sabuwar Unguwa Quarters.
Another victim, 15-year-old Hafsat Zubairu of Masanawa Quarters, was said to have been referred to the Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina for further medical attention.
The police added that the injured were receiving treatment at the General Hospital Katsina.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Bello Shehu, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured speedy recovery.
He also directed a thorough investigation into the incident and ordered measures to forestall a recurrence.
The command urged individuals and organisations planning public almsgiving or similar humanitarian activities to notify the police in advance to ensure adequate security coverage and crowd control.
“The command calls on individuals who wish to distribute alms to members of the public to notify the police for proper security arrangements to safeguard lives and property and ensure orderliness during such events,” the statement added.
The incident has renewed concerns over crowd management during religious and charitable activities, particularly as Ramadan approaches and large gatherings become more frequent across the state.
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