At least three people have lost their lives and several others suffered severe injuries during a stampede at the Niger State Government House in Minna on Tuesday night.
The incident happened when a massive crowd gathered at the government house after rumors spread that Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago was giving out ₦10,000 cash gifts to visitors.
What began as a smaller meeting with local youth groups who had reportedly gathered over a planned protest regarding the recent deaths of 37 artisanal miners, quickly got out of control as hundreds of residents, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), rushed to the gates.
Among those who died were a woman named Dije and her daughter, Hurairat. Both were IDPs living in Minna after fleeing bandit attack in their home community, Allawa, situated in Shiroro Local Government Area, where her husband was killed in 2023.
Mallam Musa Allawa, a community leader representing the displaced residents, stated that Dije and Hurairat were laid to rest on Wednesday morning in Minna.
Security operatives after dispersing the crowd, through its emergency unit, rushed the injured victims to the Minna General Hospital, where they are currently receiving medical treatment.
Meanwhile, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, said the Niger State Government would release an official statement on the matter soon.
The Police Spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun also promised that the command is actively verifying the facts surrounding the stampede before issuing a formal report.
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