2 varsity students die in rice distribution stampede

Two students of the Nasarawa State University in Keffi were confirmed dead in a stampede when the students looted rice given for distribution by the state government on Friday.

It was gathered that the stampede occurred at the convocation square where the bags of rice were kept awaiting the arrival of Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, for the commencement of the distribution.

A student, Moses Ajah, disclosed that the surging crowd of his colleagues waiting to enter the square overpowered the security personnel and broke in through the gate, causing a stampede.

Ajah, who described the incident as unfortunate, said: “Some of the students were struggling with the police over the rice and as more students got information, the situation degenerated.

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“As we speak, some students are injured and receiving treatment at the school clinic.”

He said some students picked up bags of rice and ran to their hostels and other places of residence when the governor was yet to arrive to inaugurate the distribution.

Police officers were later seen retrieving the palliatives from students.

When contacted, the Information and Protocol Officer of the university, Abraham Ekpo, said he was aware of the incident but had yet to get details about it.

Governor Sule recently embarked on a palliative initiative for students of tertiary institutions in the state.

The governor has visited Federal University, Lafia; and College of Education, Akwanga; among others where he distributed 7.5 kg bags of rice and N5,000 to each student.

The Star