BREAKING: Two Nasarawa varsity students die in rice stampede

Two female students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, tragically lost their lives in a stampede that occurred at the university’s convocation square on Friday. The incident arose during the distribution of palliatives to students by the Nasarawa State government.

According to a source within the university, the stampede resulted in the deaths of two female students, while leaving several others with varying degrees of injuries.

“We have received reports that two female students lost their lives. They were tragically suffocated amidst the chaotic crowd and were subsequently pronounced dead by healthcare workers,” stated the source.

Confirming the distressing event, Yunusa Baduku, the National President of the Nasarawa State Students Association, informed PUNCH Online that many of the affected students had been swiftly taken to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention.

“What occurred this morning at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, is truly regrettable and deeply saddening,” Baduku expressed. “Following our plans for the distribution of palliatives to students at the university’s convocation square, the students arrived in large numbers and overwhelmed the security measures.”

“They forcefully gained entry into the Convocation square where the bags of rice were to be distributed,” Baduku continued. “Sadly, numerous female students sustained injuries of varying degrees, with some tragically succumbing due to the overcrowding during the palliative distribution.”

“I am currently at the Federal Medical Center, Keffi, overseeing the emergency treatment of some of our students,” he added. “Furthermore, in my capacity as the National President of NASA, I received official confirmation of one student’s demise as a result of this unfortunate incident.”

Regarding the exact number of injured individuals, Baduku stated, “I am unable to provide an exact figure at this moment, as some are receiving treatment at the school’s clinic while others are here at FMC, Keffi.”

Nevertheless, Baduku praised the swift response and efforts of the university’s management, student leaders, and representatives of the state government in promptly assisting the students and ensuring they receive necessary medical care.

“I wish to commend the university’s management, student leaders, and the state government for their immediate actions during this trying time. They are all working diligently to address the situation and restore normalcy to the school environment,” he concluded.