A tragic incident occurred at the Niger State Government House in Minna on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of at least three people, including a mother and her daughter. The stampede happened during the distribution of ₦5,000 cash support, reportedly organised by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago. Hundreds of residents had gathered at the Government House to receive the cash, but the crowd became uncontrollable after the gate was left open.
The incident has been confirmed by a source who was present at the Government House, stating that the gathering was organised as Governor Bago met with youths amid plans for a fresh protest in Minna. The source revealed that the governor urged the youths to distance themselves from the planned demonstration before cash was distributed. However, the situation escalated into a stampede, resulting in the deaths of three people and injuring several others.
According to reports, six people were rushed to the hospital in critical condition following the incident. One of the victims has been identified as the mother of a woman who lived in the same neighbourhood as Hauwa Muhammad Kuta. The incident has sparked widespread concern and outrage, with many calling for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the stampede.
The tragedy comes at a tense period in Niger State, where public anger has continued to grow over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in NSCDC custody. The deaths, which were discovered on September 17, sparked protests across Minna, with residents demanding justice and accountability. The Federal Government has since set up a 10-member independent investigative committee to determine what led to the deaths of the miners.
Security operatives controlled the escalating crowd at the entrance of the Government House before the gates were breached, but their efforts were insufficient to prevent the stampede. The Niger State Police Command has been contacted for confirmation of the incident, but the spokesperson directed enquiries to the governor's press secretary.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security measures in place during public gatherings, particularly during the distribution of cash or other forms of assistance. An investigation into the incident is expected to be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the stampede and to identify measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Niger State Government has yet to officially comment on the incident, but it is expected that an official statement will be released in due course. The incident has sparked widespread concern and sympathy for the families of the victims, and many are calling for greater accountability and transparency in the distribution of public assistance.
Key points
- A mother and daughter were among three people who died in a stampede at the Niger State Government House in Minna during the distribution of ₦5,000 cash support.
- The incident occurred amid rising tension in Niger State over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody.
- Six people were rushed to the hospital in critical condition following the incident.
