Tragedy struck in Gombe State as a stampede at the main Eid ground claimed the lives of two children, leaving several others injured.
The Gombe State Police Command confirmed the heartbreaking incident, which occurred around 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, shortly after Eid prayers.
Spokesperson Buhari Abdullahi stated that the stampede was triggered by a rush to exit the venue, mainly involving women and children.
“The situation, worsened by intense heat, led to the unfortunate incident,” he said.
A total of 22 individuals were affected and promptly taken to the hospital.
However, a four-year-old boy and a six-month-old baby girl were pronounced dead by doctors while receiving treatment.
The police have extended their condolences to the grieving families and assured that all medical expenses for the injured victims would be fully covered by the state government.
Meanwhile, Governor Inuwa Yahaya has ordered an investigation into the circumstances that led to the stampede to prevent future occurrences.
“The safety and well-being of our citizens remain a top priority. The state government is committed to learning from this incident and implementing corrective measures,” he said.
Authorities have urged Eid ground managers to ensure all entrance and exit gates remain open after prayers to facilitate smooth movement and prevent similar tragedies.
This painful incident highlights the urgent need for improved crowd control measures at religious gatherings to protect lives and prevent such devastating losses in the future.
