- Halimah Olamide
No fewer than five people have been feared dead following a stampede at the Niger State Government House in Minna.
The incident occurred on Tuesday during a gathering organised by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago in connection with a planned Independence Day protest.
NPO Reports learnt that trouble started when youths surged forward after getting news the alleged distribution of money at the venue, causing panic and rush.
Some of the victims have been taken to the General Hospital, Minna,
According to Sahara Reporters, a source close to the state government who attended the event said;
“Six youths are in critical condition. The governor gathered people at Government House this evening to share money. That was why people were there.
“They left the Government House gate open, everywhere was choked.”
“The governor is in the state. There is a plan to carry out a protest on Thursday. So he gathered youths to tell them that they should disassociate themselves from the protest. So from there, he started sharing money.”
The planned protest is reportedly linked to the brewing anger over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in NSCDC custody in Minna.
