Niger State stampede claims three lives during cash rush

On Tuesday evening, a stampede at the Niger State Government House in Minna resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including Dije and her daughter Hurairat, both internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Allawa. The incident occurred as hundreds rushed to the venue after rumors spread that cash disbursements of ₦10,000 per person were being handed out.

The state government had convened a meeting with local youth leaders to discuss canceling a planned protest related to the recent deaths of 37 artisanal miners in the state. However, the crowd's momentum shifted dramatically when the cash distribution rumors circulated.

Many of those present were vulnerable individuals, including women and IDPs. Dije and Hurairat had come to the Government House seeking financial relief, having relocated to Minna due to ongoing insecurity.

Mallam Musa Allawa confirmed their burial on Wednesday at 10:00 am in accordance with Islamic rites. The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, stated that an official statement regarding the incident would be issued by the Niger State Government.