A solemn atmosphere enveloped Bauchi State in Northeast Nigeria as reports emerged of a stampede during an almsgiving exercise, resulting in the loss of at least four lives.
The unfortunate incident unfolded on Sunday morning at the premises of Shafa Holdings Company Plc along Jos Road.
While the company remains silent on the matter, Ahmed Wakili, the spokesman for the Bauchi State Police Command, confirmed the incident, assuring that the situation had been brought under control.
Efforts to independently verify the incident by SaharaReporters were fruitless as Superintendent of Police Wakili declined numerous calls and had yet to respond to a text message inquiry.
Among the injured, 17-year-old Naima Abdullahi received medical attention at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi, as reported by PLATFORM TIMES.
Upon visiting the scene, it was observed that the crowd had dispersed, with police vehicles stationed in the area. Nevertheless, a handful of women remained outside, hopeful for further disbursement.
This tragic event echoes a similar incident reported by SaharaReporters on March 22, where two female students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, lost their lives in a stampede during the distribution of palliatives.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State expressed sorrow over the loss and directed immediate investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Addra, Governor Sule initiated the distribution of rice and cash aid to students across tertiary institutions in the state, a move that was disrupted by suspected hoodlums and misguided students, leading to the fatal stampede.
The incident occurred just hours before the scheduled official launch of the initiative.
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