Two students from Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) lost their lives in a rush to obtain food supplies distributed by the state government as part of palliative measures amidst the nation’s economic downturn.
The unfortunate incident occurred on Friday morning, where the students, whose identities remain unknown, were fatally trampled in a frantic scramble.
According to sources within the institution, the victims, both female, were among a crowd of students who converged at the Convention Square within the university premises.
National President of the Nasarawa State Students Association, Yunusa Yusuf Baduku, confirmed the tragedy, revealing that several others sustained injuries of varying degrees.
Baduku, while expressing his dismay, lamented the chaotic turn of events, narrating how the students overwhelmed security measures, breaking through barriers to access the palliatives.
He recounted the scene of distress, highlighting the plight of injured students, some of whom suffered from suffocation amidst the chaotic crowd.
“Seriously, what happened this morning at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, is uncalled for, and very pathetic.
“After our arrangement for the distribution of palliatives to the students which was to hold at the University’s Convocation Square, they (students) suddenly arrived at the venue in their numbers and overpowered the security.
“They broke through the gate into the Convocation Square where the bags of rice was to be shared. Unfortunately, most of our female students sustained several degrees of injuries, while others got suffocated because of the population at the venue for the distribution of the palliatives.
“Right now, I am at the Federal Medical Center, Keffi, where we brought some of our students for emergency treatment. For the numbers of those injured, I cannot confirm that at the moment because some of them are at the school’s clinic while others are here at the FMC, Keffi receiving treatment,” Baduku told the Leadership.
As the state government had initiated the distribution of rice and financial aid to students across various educational institutions, Governor Abdullahi Sule’s compassionate gesture inadvertently led to a disastrous outcome at NSUK.
While promising further assistance to institutions beyond the state capital, the distribution intended to alleviate hardship unfortunately culminated in a tragic stampede, underscoring the fragility of circumstances in the face of desperate need.
