22nd March, 2024
By NKRUMAH BANKONG-OBI/Lafia
At least two students of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, NSUK, have been confirmed dead while 17 others were injured, following a stampede that occurred as the State government was preparing to share palliatives to the students in the institution on Friday morning.
The victims are believed to be among those who sustained multiple injuries at the University’s convocation ground, where the event was billed to be held.
Governor Sule Abdullahi on Monday, flagged off the distribution of rice and five thousand naira to students in tertiary institutions across the State, to cushion the effects of soaring inflation and hardship gripping the country.
The distribution was accomplished at the State-owned Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, Lafia, the College of Education, and the Federal University, Lafia.
The National President of the Nasarawa State Students Association, Yunusa Baduku told a news medium that many of the victims had been taken to the hospital. “What happened at this morning at the Nasarawa State University is uncalled for, and very pathetic. After our arrangement for the distribution of palliatives to the students, which was to hold at the University’s Convocation Square, the students suddenly arrived at the venue and overpowered the security. They broke through the gate into the Convocation Square where the bags of rice were to be shared,” he was quoted to have said.
The incident at NSUK brought to focus the difficulties in the sharing of the items to the beneficiaries.
A former Chairman of Karu Local government Area, Sam Akala is quoted as blaming the authorities for the unfortunate incident. “No government palliatives are worth the life of any citizen. Government must ensure that those involved in these wicked acts are brought to book and face the full wrath of the law.”
In a press statement signed by Ibrahim Adra, his press secretary, Governor Abdullahi Sule said the incident was reportedly perpetrated by “suspected hoodlums and some misguided students[who] forced their way into the school’s convocation ground to cart away the rice kept at the venue meant for distribution as palliatives to students.”
The governor sent his condolence to the relatives of the deceased while praying God to grant those who died a peaceful repose.
The statement added that Engr. Sule has mandate the “Authorities of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi and security agencies to commence immediate investigation into the unfortunate occurrence with a view to unveiling those behind it,” it read.
“Those found to be involved in anyway will be apprehended and prosecuted accordingly,” it added.
The statement, however, called on the people to remain calm as government would continue in its effort to ameliorate the hardship being faced by the students and other vulnerable groups