Tragedy struck Nasarawa State University, Keffi, as a stampede during the distribution of palliatives resulted in the loss of two female students’ lives.
Governor Abdullahi Sule had earlier initiated the distribution of palliatives, including two 7.5 kg bags of rice and N5,000, to each student of various educational institutions in the state.
According to reports, the stampede erupted as students gathered at the university’s convocation square on Friday to receive the palliatives provided by the Nasarawa State government.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as students surged forward, overpowering security officers and breaking through the gates of the convocation square.
Yunusa Baduku, the National President of the Nasarawa State Students Association, expressed profound sadness over the incident, stating, “What happened this morning at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, is uncalled for, and very pathetic.” Baduku recounted the overwhelming influx of students and the subsequent suffocation and injuries suffered by many.
Baduku further confirmed, “I got an official report that one student has died as a result of the unfortunate incident.” He also commended the swift response of the university’s management, student leaders, and representatives of the state government in providing emergency medical attention to the injured students.