Three students of Nasarawa State University, NSUK, tragically lost their lives on Friday in a stampede during the distribution of rice palliatives by the state government. The incident occurred at the convocation square in Keffi, where bags of rice were awaiting distribution upon the arrival of Governor Abdullahi Sule.
According to reports, the crowd of students awaiting entry into the square overwhelmed the security personnel, leading to the breaking of the gate and ensuing stampede.
Eyewitness Moses Ajah described the situation as unfortunate, noting that some students hastily grabbed bags of rice and fled to their hostels and other residences before the governor’s arrival to inaugurate the distribution.
“Some of the students were struggling with the police over the rice, and as more students got information, the situation degenerated,” Ajah explained, highlighting that several students sustained injuries and were receiving treatment at the school.
Police officers have since commenced efforts to retrieve the palliatives from students, as per reports from Daily Post.
Confirming the incident, the University’s Protocol Officer, Abraham Ekpo, acknowledged the tragedy and assured that further details would be provided in due course.
