Two female students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, have lost their lives during the distribution of rice provided as palliatives, while 23 have been hospitalised.
It was gathered that some students overpowered the University security at the convocation arena of the school where the rice was been distributed, causing a stampede that resulted in the deaths and injuries of students.
The National President of the Nasarawa State Students Association, Yunusa Baduku, confirmed the incident and described it as “horrible.”
The injured students were taken to hospitals for treatment, while the university authorities are yet to officially confirm the number of casualties.
This tragedy highlights the dire situation faced by many Nigerian university students, who often struggle to afford basic necessities like food. The incident has also sparked questions about the organization and crowd control measures implemented during the rice distribution.
Authorities are now investigating the cause of the stampede and will likely be under pressure to implement stricter safety protocols for future distributions. The Nasarawa State government is expected to address the public regarding the incident and offer condolences to the families of the deceased students.
