A tragic incident unfolded at the Niger State Government House in Minna on Tuesday night, resulting in the deaths of at least three people and injuring several others. The stampede occurred when a crowd gathered at the Government House, with reports suggesting that the gathering was linked to efforts by government officials to engage youths planning a protest over the recent deaths of 37 artisanal miners in the state.
The injured victims are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Minna. Among those confirmed dead were a woman identified as Dije and her daughter, Hurairat, both internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Allawa community in Shiroro Local Government Area. Their deaths have sent shockwaves through the community, with many expressing sadness and outrage over the incident.
According to reports, Dije and Hurairat had been living in Gurmana and were visiting each other when they heard about the gathering at the Government House. They subsequently joined the crowd, which had been drawn by reports that money would be distributed. Hurairat's husband, Abubakar, was reportedly killed by bandits in 2023, forcing Hurairat to relocate to Minna as an IDP after their community was deserted due to repeated attacks.
An IDP, Mallam Musa Allawa, confirmed that Dije and her daughter would be buried on Wednesday morning. The incident has raised questions about the safety measures in place at the Government House and the handling of the gathering. Some government appointees had earlier posted on social media that youths gathered at the Government House to show solidarity with Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.
However, a government source revealed that more people, including women, later trooped to the venue after hearing reports that the governor would distribute N10,000 to those present. This reportedly led to a surge in the crowd, resulting in the stampede. The state government has promised to investigate the incident and provide support to the families of the victims.
When contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, said the state government would issue an official statement on the incident. The spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, also said he would verify the development and provide further details. The incident has sparked widespread concern and calls for improved safety measures at public gatherings.
The Niger State Government has been urged to take steps to prevent such incidents in the future. The government has been working to address the concerns of youths in the state, particularly in the wake of the recent deaths of 37 artisanal miners. An investigation into the incident is expected to be launched soon.
Key points
- At least three people died in a stampede at the Niger State Government House in Minna.
- The incident occurred when a crowd gathered, expecting to receive N10,000 from the governor.
- The victims included a woman, Dije, and her daughter, Hurairat, both internally displaced persons.
