NASARAWA State Governor Abdullahi Sule has ordered a probe into the death of students of the state university who died during a stampede on Friday, March 22.
In addition to those who died, many others were injured in the stampede, which occurred during the distribution of palliatives by the state government to alleviate the suffering occasioned by the harsh economic situation in the country.
In a statement signed by the governor’s chief press secretary, Ibrahim Addra, Sule expressed sadness over the incident.
“The governor has since directed the authorities of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi and security agencies to commence an immediate investigation into the unfortunate occurrence to unveil those behind it,” the statement read.
The ICIR reported that two female students died after some students overpowered the security operatives at the entrance of the convocation square, where the distribution was scheduled to take place.
The palliative was said to be two bags of 7.5kg rice per student.
Deputy Governor of the state Emmanuel Akabe said the distribution of palliatives had been successful in other universities within the state.
A source, a student of the institution, shared details of the incident with The ICIR.
“Actually, they were about to distribute the palliative this morning and to do flag off when the governor comes, but the students came and overpowered the security because they were many. They broke the door and forced themselves in. Some were stepped on, so they kept falling on one another. And that’s what caused the death,” the source said.
Some injured students were taken to the school clinic for medical attention, while others in more critical conditions were taken to the state’s Federal Medical Centre.
Ijeoma Opara is a journalist with The ICIR. Reach her via vopara@icirnigeria.org or @ije_le on Twitter.