No fewer than four persons have lost their lives while 18 others sustained injuries following a stampede during the distribution of annual Ramadan Zakkat (alms) in Katsina metropolis.
The tragic incident reportedly occurred around 9 pm on Thursday at the residence of Alhaji Dahiru Usman Sarki in Kofar Guga Quarters.
Naija News reports that Security analyst, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the development in a post shared on đť•Ź (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, detailing how the crowd surge turned fatal.
According to Makama, a large number of residents had gathered at the residence to receive Ramadan alms when the situation spiralled out of control.
He stated that some individuals allegedly forced their way into the compound, triggering a stampede as the crowd struggled to gain access.
The Divisional Police Officer of the Central Police Station in Katsina was said to have swiftly mobilised officers to the scene, bringing the situation under control.
Eighteen persons who sustained varying degrees of injuries were rushed to the General Hospital Katsina for medical attention.
“Four of the victims were later certified dead by medical doctors. They have been identified as Bilkisu Mamman, 40, of Kerau Quarters; Ihsan Musbahu, 40, of Abattoir Quarters; Aisha Sani, 16, of Kofar Sauri Quarters; and Salamatu Kabir, 45, of Sabuwar Unguwa Quarters. Another victim, 15-year-old Hafsat Zubairu of Masanawa Quarters, was referred to the Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina for further medical attention,” Makama wrote.
The identities of the deceased indicate that women and a teenage girl were among those affected by the tragedy.
Police authorities in the state have since confirmed the incident, revealing that the organisers of the Zakkat distribution have been invited for questioning.
An investigation has also been launched to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the stampede and to prevent a recurrence.
The latest tragedy adds to growing concerns over crowd control and safety measures during charity distributions, especially during festive and religious periods when large gatherings are common.
Residents have called for better planning and security coordination at such events to avert further loss of lives.
