Stampede at Niger State Government House Claims Eight Lives

A tragic incident occurred at the Niger State Government House in Minna, where a stampede resulted in the deaths of at least eight individuals, primarily women and children. This disaster unfolded as people were invited from various wards in Minna to collect N10,000 palliatives from the state government.

The situation escalated when the crowd became unruly, leading to the stampede. Eyewitnesses reported that a government official threw bundles of money into the air, which contributed to the chaos.

Among the deceased was a woman and her two daughters. Several others sustained injuries and were initially taken to a nearby Primary Healthcare Centre, but as their conditions worsened, they were transferred to the general hospital, where some succumbed to their injuries.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Wasiu Abiodun, stated that the police were not yet aware of the incident. Attempts to reach the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Alhaji Bologi Ibrahim, and the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Obed Nana, for comments were unsuccessful.

A similar incident had occurred at the same location in 2023, resulting in multiple fatalities.