No fewer than four persons have died and 18 others were injured in a stampede during the distribution of the annual Ramadan Zakkat (alms) at a residence in Katsina metropolis.
According to a Security analyst Zagazola Makama on Saturday in a post on X, the tragedy occurred around 9 pm on Thursday at the residence of Alhaji Dahiru Usman Sarki in Kofar Guga Quarters.
According to the report, a large crowd had gathered at the residence to receive Ramadan alms when some individuals allegedly forced their way into the compound, triggering a stampede.
The Divisional Police Officer of Central Police Station, Katsina, quickly mobilised officers to the scene and managed to bring the situation under control.
Eighteen people sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to the General Hospital, Katsina, for treatment.
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 for further medical attention,” Makama wrote.
Police authorities confirmed that the organisers of the Zakkat distribution have been invited for questioning, while an investigation into the stampede is ongoing.
