Two children killed, 20 injured in Gombe stampede – Police

The Police Force Gombe State Command has confirmed the death of two children following a stampede at the Gombe main Eid Ground.

The Command’s spokesperson, Buhari Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Gombe.

According to Abdullahi, the incident occurred at about 10:45 a.m. at the exit gate of the Eid Ground, immediately after the conclusion of Eid prayers.

“The stampede was caused by inadequate exit access, as a large crowd, primarily women and children, rushed to leave the venue.

“The situation, worsened by intense heat, led to the unfortunate incident,” he said.

He said that 22 individuals were affected and were immediately taken to hospitals for medical attention.

“Regrettably, two of the victims, a four-year-old boy, and six months old baby girl, were pronounced dead by doctors while receiving treatment,” Abdullahi added.

READ ALSO:

• Wike’s achievements will translate into electoral success for APC in 2027, says Tinubu
• World Bank approves Tinubu’s $632m loan request
• Okada rider allegedly stabbed to death by wife over money

He extended the command’s condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

“The police urge Eid Ground managers to ensure that all entrance and exit gates remain open to facilitate smooth movement, especially after prayers,” he advised.

In a related development, Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has condoled with the families of the deceased and those affected by the tragedy.

In a statement issued by his media aide on Sunday, the governor directed a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the stampede, with the aim of preventing future occurrences.

“The safety and well-being of our citizens remain a top priority. The state government is committed to learning from this incident and implementing corrective measures,” Yahaya said.

He also directed that all medical expenses for the injured victims be fully covered by the state government to ensure their recovery and well-being.

Two children killed, 20 injured in Gombe stampede – Police

(NAN)

Police rescue two persons abducted in Lagos

The police have rescued two persons who were abducted by unknown gunmen in the Ijede community area of the state.

The gunmen had on March 29 invaded the community at about 9om and invaded the home of a 40-year-old man identified as Dare.

The gunmen eliminated the security dog owned by Dare before they abducted him. The gunmen then moved into a nearby building where they abducted the 25-year-old daughter of the landlord and whisked them to an unknown destination.

READ ALSO:

• Miyetti Allah accuses Benue community of poisoning 20 cows
• Wike’s aide slams Atiku, says it’s too late to buy integrity
• Reps Committee recovers N21.4bn from four oil companies

The police were alerted and they began an investigation.

Thankfully, on March 29, their efforts paid off and they were able to rescue the two victims unhurt. The victims have since been handed over to their families. The police efforts are being made to arrest the wanted suspects.

Police rescue two persons abducted in Lagos

Miyetti Allah accuses Benue community of poisoning 20 cows

The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has raised concerns over the alleged poisoning of their cattle in Agatu Local Government Area, attributing the act to criminal elements operating in the region.

State Chairman of MACBAN, Risku Muhammed, claimed that individuals in the area were deliberately targeting their livestock, resulting in the recent deaths of 20 cows.

Speaking on Sunday, Muhammed recounted the latest incident, which reportedly took place on Saturday in Ucha village.

According to him, a farmer allegedly laced rice chaff with poison before inviting a herder to graze his cattle on it.

“I got a report from my members in Agatu LGA that a criminal who had laced rice chaff with poison invited one of our members to come and graze his cows.

“Unfortunately, 13 cows died instantly while seven are being treated by a veterinary doctor,” Muhammed lamented.

He further alleged that in addition to the poisoning, rustlers had stolen 200 cows just days earlier. However, he noted that security operatives managed to intervene, leading to the arrest of one suspect while others fled.

READ ALSO:

• Wike’s aide slams Atiku, says it’s too late to buy integrity
• Reps Committee recovers N21.4bn from four oil companies
• West African juntas impose levy on imported goods ECOWAS nations

Expressing growing concerns over continued attacks on herders in Agatu, Muhammed highlighted several affected communities, including Olegodege, Utigologwu, Egwuma, Akele, and Okwtanobe. Despite these challenges, he commended Agatu LGA Chairman, Melvin James, for his prompt intervention.

“The local government chairman, along with some Non-Governmental Organizations working in the area, has several times paid for cows killed by these criminals,” Muhammed stated.

Confirming the incident, Agatu LGA Chairman Melvin James acknowledged the complaints filed by MACBAN and assured that investigations were already underway.

“We have received complaints from Miyetti Allah, and an investigation is ongoing. Agatu has been enjoying peace, and this is due to the peace committee set up.

“On a daily basis, we review the peace process,” James said.

While noting the progress in fostering harmony, he warned that certain elements were attempting to stir up violence.

“It’s unfortunate that some criminal elements are bent on instigating crisis and destroying the peace process, but the government will not fold its arms and allow that to happen,” he added.

James urged the state government to deploy additional security forces to Agatu to reinforce existing peace efforts.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command confirmed the poisoning incident, revealing that a suspect had been taken into custody.

State Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, a Chief Superintendent of Police, stated: “I have a briefing this morning (Sunday) about dead cows said to have been poisoned.

“Investigation is going on, and a suspect has been arrested.”

She further assured that a peace committee was actively working to sustain calm in Agatu, an area previously marked by frequent conflicts between herders and farmers.

Miyetti Allah accuses Benue community of poisoning 20 cows

(PUNCH)