3 die in Niger government house stampede

Three people have reportedly died in a stampede at the Niger state hovernment House in Minna while rushing to get from money purportedly shared for those at the venue of a solidarity protest on Tuesday evening.

​Several others were said to have been  injured and rushed to the Minna General Hospital, where they are currently receiving emergency medical treatment.

It was learnt that the state government convened a meeting with local youth leaders to negotiate the cancellation of a planned protest over the recent deaths of 37 artisanal miners in the state.

However, another account suggested that prior to the surge, the crowd had gathered to demonstrate in solidarity with Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.

​”The momentum shifted dramatically when rumors circulated throughout the capital that cash disbursements of ₦10,000 per person were being handed out at the venue. The report triggered a massive rush as hundreds of residents, including vulnerable women and internally displaced persons (IDPs), rushed to the premises”, a source said

​Two of those who died were identified as Dije and her daughter, Hurairat, both IDPs from the conflict-torn Allawa community in Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that Hurairat  relocated to Minna following the death of her husband, Abubakar, who was killed by bandits along the Allawa-Pandogari road in 2023.

She who has been staying at a temporary shelter in Kuta due to ongoing insecurity, was reported to have accompanied her daughter to the Government House upon hearing reports of financial relief.

​Mallam Musa Allawa, representing the displaced community, confirmed that both women were  buried on Wednesday at 10:00 am in accordance with Islamic rites.

​When contacted for comment, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, said the Niger State Government would issue an official statement on the incident in due course.