By Mohammed Nasir Shuaibu (Bauchi State Correspondent)
In a heart-wrenching turn of events at the donation of money ten thousand naira (N10, 000) to the people in Bauchi state North East Nigeria has turned to tragedy as a stampede claimed multiple lives at the annual event which a business conglomerate AYM Shafa energy dull out this morning evening.
NIGERIAN NEWSLEADER Newspaper Correspondent who visited the venue reports that what began as a joyous opportunity for the people, descended into chaos when a surge of attendees overwhelmed safety barriers.
An eye witnesses recounted scenes of horror as people struggled to escape the crush of the crowd, with many trampled underfoot in the frantic scramble to flee the area. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but the scale of the incident left respondents struggling to reach those in need amidst the chaos.
However, preliminary reports suggest that the stampede was triggered by a sudden commotion near the main gate of the AYM Shafa head office along Bauchi-Jjos road main stages, causing a ripple effect through the densely packed crowd.
Similarly, authorities are currently investigating the cause of the devastating calamity and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The toll of the tragedy has yet to be fully determined, with initial estimates indicating a significant loss of life and a large number of injuries. Families and loved ones are now grappling with the devastating aftermath, as the community comes together to mourn those who lost their lives in this senseless tragedy. As the investigation into the incident continues, questions are being raised about crowd management protocols and safety measures at large-scale events.
While confirming the development, the State Police Command through its PPRO, SP Ahmed Wakili, said that the Command received a distress call from ATBUTH on the people being rushed there for medical attention.
According to him, “On receiving the distress call, the Commissioner of Police, Auwal Musa Mohammed immediately directed urgent action for the mobilization of personnel to the scene for action.”
The PPRO added that, “On getting to the scene, the Police operative joined in the rescue operations, cordoned off the area in order to prevent further casualties while the exercise was stopped.”
He added that, “The victims were rushed to the ATBUTH unconscious after which a Medical Doctor confirmed that four of them were dead. Others including a 17 year old girl are currently receiving treatment at the hospital.”
The PPRO also said that the Command frowns at such development which put the lives of people at risk considering the present economic situation in the country.
He added that the Command is appealing to individuals and organisations that have plans of embarking on such gesture to adequately inform the Command in order to mobilize personnel to the venue for effective crowd control.
All efforts to get official confirmation and reactions from the management of AYM Shafa on the development proved abortive as no official was available to talk to Journalists at the office during the tragedy. NNL.
