The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed that the death toll from a stampede at an almsgiving Zakat event has risen to seven, with three more women succumbing to their injuries.
The tragic incident occurred around 10 am on Sunday at the premises of Shafa Holdings Company Plc headquarters along Jos Road. The stampede, which primarily involved women, erupted during the distribution of Zakaat items by a philanthropist based in Bauchi.
According to reports, the distribution was proceeding smoothly, with beneficiaries being called in groups to receive their items. However, unrest among some attendees sparked a scramble to enter the premises, resulting in chaos and tragedy.
Providing an update on the situation, SP Ahmed Wakili, the spokesperson for the Bauchi State Police Command, confirmed the additional fatalities. He revealed that two of the victims passed away at the Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), while the third victim died at home.
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The deceased have been identified as Aisha Usman (13), Sahura Abubakar (55), Aisha Ibrahim Abubakar (43), Kobi Street Bauchi; Khadija Isah (8), Karofi Bauchi; Maryam Suleiman (20), Kandahar Bauchi; Maryam Shuibu (16), Gwang Gwan Gwan Bauchi; and Hassana Saidu (53), Dutsen Tanshi Bauchi.
“These are the number of victims confirmed dead by medical doctors. More details will be made available to the public as the command receives them,” stated SP Ahmed Wakili.
The tragic incident has left the community in mourning as authorities work to ascertain the circumstances that led to the stampede. Eyewitnesses recount scenes of panic and desperation as attendees struggled to gain access to the distribution venue.
Efforts are underway to provide support to the families of the victims, and authorities are urging calm among residents as investigations into the incident continue.
