Investigate Death of Nasarawa Varsity Students, Gov. Sule tells security agents

Students of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), Friday lost their lives while scrambling for a 7.5 kg bag of rice donated to the students as palliatives to cushion the effect of hunger by the state government.

The deceased students whose identity could not be ascertained, died as a result of stampeded on Friday morning at the university convocation ground in Keffi.

Head of medical services at the Federal Medical Center Keffi, Dr Usman Ahmed, who spoke to journalists claimed that only two students lost their lives while 17 who were mostly female got injured during the incident.

According to Dr Usman Ahmed those injured during the stampede are receiving medical attention at the facility, while a source in the university had earlier told journalists that more than two students died during the incident.

On his part, National President of the Nasarawa State Students Association, Yunusa Yusuf Baduku who spoke to journalists via telephone also confirmed the incident, stating that those who were injured have been taking to the hospitals for medical attention but could not immediately confirm the number of deaths and those injured.

“Seriously, what happened this morning at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, was terrible, pathetic, very bad and uncalled for,

“After the arrangement for the distribution of palliatives to the students which was held at the University’s convocation square, they (students) suddenly arrived at the venue in their numbers as early as 4am and overpowered the security at about 5am ahead the scheduled time of 9am.

“They broke through the gate into the Convocation square where the bags of rice was to be shared. Unfortunately, most of our female students sustained several degrees of injuries, while others got suffocated because of the population at the venue for the distribution of the palliatives.

“Right now, I am at the Federal Medical Center, Keffi, where we brought some of our students for emergency treatment.

“For the numbers of those that died and injured, I cannot confirm that at the moment because some of them are at the school clinic while others are here at the FMC, Keffi receiving treatment,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Governor Abdullahi Sule has expressed shock over the news of the stampede at the State University, Keffi which claimed lives of some students.

The governor described the incident as a misfortune which happened hours before the scheduled official flag off of palliatives distribution.

The governor in a statement by Ibrahim Addra, the Chief Press Secretary, said Governor Sule deeply regrets the tragic death of two students of the institution in this needless stampede motivated by crime.

The statement quoted the governor as saying that the incident is reported to have occurred when suspected hoodlums and some misguided students 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.

It quoted the governor to have prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased.

“Our thoughts and condolences go to their families and friends at this moment of grief”. These young people’s lives cut short at their prime under such circumstance is painful,” he quoted to have said.

“Those found to be involved in anyway will be apprehended and prosecuted accordingly.

“The Governor urges for calm while insisting that the Nasarawa State Government under his leadership will not be distracted but continue with the distribution of palliatives towards ameliorating the hardship face by students and the people of the state in general,” it said.

According to the statement, Governor Sule has since directed the authorities of the University, and security agencies to commence immediate investigation into the unfortunate occurrence with a view to unveiling those behind it.

It would be recalled that Governor Abdullahi Sule had extended the distribution of palliatives to students of high institutions in the state.

The state government commenced the distribution of 7:5 kilograms of rice to students across institutions located in Lafia, the state capital on Tuesday

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