In a tragic turn of events at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, two students lost their lives and 14 others were injured in a stampede. The chaos erupted when students, along with some unruly individuals from the neighborhood, descended upon bags of rice donated by the state government to alleviate economic hardships.

The donation was meant to be a gesture of relief for the students, given the prevailing hardships in the country. However, impatience and a lack of order led to a frenzy as the students and hoodlums overwhelmed security personnel, resulting in a stampede that claimed lives and caused injuries.

Professor Suleiman Bala Mohammed, the Vice Chancellor of the university, expressed deep regret over the incident, attributing it to the students’ impatience in following the distribution process. He emphasized the need for patience and adherence to regulations, urging students to cooperate with the investigation to uncover the truth and prevent future tragedies.

Despite allegations of poor security arrangements, Mr. Mohammed affirmed that adequate security measures were in place, including military and civil defense personnel. The investigation panel will shed light on the sequence of events and recommend appropriate actions to prevent such incidents in the future.

Governor Abdullahi Sule had previously extended assistance to students in tertiary institutions across the state, distributing rice and cash to alleviate their financial burdens. The same gesture was intended for the university students, but the unfortunate turn of events marred the goodwill initiative.

As the university community mourns the loss of two students and prays for the injured, it is crucial for all stakeholders to work together to ensure a safe and orderly environment for academic activities. Let this tragedy serve as a reminder of the importance of patience, cooperation, and adherence to regulations in times of crisis.

(Source: News Agency of Nigeria)