Three die, several injured in Niger Government House stampede
At least three people are confirmed dead and several others injured following a stampede at the Niger State Government House in Minna.
The incident took place Tuesday night when a crowd gathered at the Government House. The injured individuals are currently receiving treatment at General Hospital in Minna.
Reports indicate that the gathering was associated with initiatives by government officials to engage with youths who were reportedly planning a protest in response to the recent deaths of 37 artisanal miners in the state.
Among the deceased are Dije and her daughter, Hurairat, both of whom were internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the Allawa community in the Shiroro Local Government Area.
Hurairat’s husband, Abubakar, was killed by bandits in 2023 along the Allawa–Pandogari Road, leading her to relocate to Minna as an IDP after her community experienced multiple attacks.
Sources suggest that Dije, who had been living with her husband in Gurmana, was visiting her daughter when they learned that money would be distributed at the Government House. They subsequently joined the gathering.
Mallam Musa Allawa, an IDP, informed journalists that Dije and Hurairat would be laid to rest on Wednesday morning.
Earlier, some government officials had noted on social media that the youths were gathering at the Government House to express support for Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago. However, a government source stated that additional attendees, including women, arrived after rumors spread that the governor would distribute N10,000 to those present.
When reached for comment, Bologi Ibrahim, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, indicated that the state government would issue an official statement regarding the incident.
Additionally, SP Wasiu Abiodun, spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, stated he would verify the details and provide further information.
