Atiku Mourns Three Killed in Niger Government House Stampede

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed grief over the deaths of three people in a stampede at the Niger State Government House in Minna.

The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday night as a large crowd gathered at the Government House. Reports said some people had heard that ₦10,000 would be distributed to those present. At least three people died, while several others were injured and taken to hospital.

In a statement issued by his campaign’s Director of Strategic Communications, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku condoled with the families of the victims and called for immediate care for those injured.

He also called on the Niger State Government to establish what led to the stampede and explain how the gathering was organised and managed.

The former vice president said the incident should also draw attention to the economic pressure facing many Nigerian households, while stressing that government assistance should be organised with public safety as a priority.

What happened?

Reports indicate that the crowd initially gathered following developments surrounding the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State. The gathering reportedly grew after information spread that money would be distributed at the Government House.

The Niger State Government had not, at the time of the reports, released a detailed official account of the incident. Police were also reported to be verifying the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Monafrika Public Interest Watch

The tragedy has raised fresh questions about crowd management, public safety and the growing economic hardship affecting vulnerable Nigerians.