A stampede erupted at Nasarawa State University yesterday, Keffi, in central Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of two students and leaving 23 others injured.
The chaos ensued as thousands of students gathered for a food distribution organized by the state government, underscoring the severity of Nigeria’s ongoing economic crisis.
The incident, which occurred on Friday morning, unfolded as desperate individuals clamored for sustenance amidst soaring food prices and economic turmoil gripping the nation.
With inflation soaring to a three-decade high of 31.7 percent, many Nigerians find themselves grappling with the harsh reality of inaccessible basic necessities, amplifying the desperation witnessed at the university.
According to university spokesman Abraham Habu, the stampede erupted as the crowd surged and broke through gates where the state government intended to distribute 4,000 bags of rice.
The distribution, scheduled to begin at 10 am, was intended to alleviate the plight of students and the disabled, who had gathered from as early as 2 am in hopes of securing a meal.
As the crowd swelled to over 4,000 individuals, the situation quickly spiralled out of control, and overwhelming security measures were put in place.
People pushed their way into the distribution area, leading to a chaotic scene where soldiers tasked with guarding the premises were forced to withdraw, unable to contain the surging mass of people.
Tragically, amidst the frenzy, two female students lost their lives, while 23 others sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals.
Despite the harrowing ordeal, Habu confirmed that the injured individuals were in stable condition, albeit shaken by the events that unfolded.
In response to the tragedy, the state government has initiated a committee to investigate the circumstances leading to the stampede, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.
However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dire circumstances faced by many Nigerians as they grapple with the repercussions of economic policies aimed at stabilizing the nation’s economy.
Nigeria’s economic crisis has pushed many citizens to the brink, with reports of individuals skipping meals and foregoing essential products due to their unaffordability.
Earlier this month, the country witnessed scenes of desperation as hundreds of people looted a food store in the capital, Abuja, prompting heightened security measures to safeguard essential supplies.
As the nation mourns the loss of lives at Nasarawa State University, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of Nigeria’s economic woes.
Without swift and effective intervention, the spectre of hunger and desperation will continue to haunt the most vulnerable members of society, perpetuating a cycle of suffering amidst unprecedented economic uncertainty.
This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
