Two young girls lost their lives in a stampede at the Gombe main Eid prayer ground on Sunday. The victims were identified as 4½-year-old Aisha Salisu Ahmed and 4-year-old Maryam Abdullahi Gwani.
The tragic incident reportedly occurred when a crowd, mainly composed of women and children, rushed to exit the venue in a hurry. In addition to the fatalities, around 20 individuals sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya expressed his condolences to the bereaved families in a statement signed by the Director-General of Press Affairs at the Government House, Ismaila Uba Misilli. “We grieve with their families during this difficult time, and our hearts are with them as they mourn the loss of their beloved children,” he said.
Governor Yahaya ordered a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the stampede and prevent similar incidents in the future. “The safety and well-being of our citizens remain a top priority,” he stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to learning from the tragedy and implementing necessary corrective measures.
Earlier, the governor dispatched a high-level delegation, led by the Chief of Staff at the Government House, Alhaji Abubakar Inuwa Kari, to visit the hospitals where the injured were receiving treatment. The delegation aimed to offer support and ensure that the victims received the best possible medical care.
During visits to Zainab Bulkachuwa Hospital, Specialist Hospital, and Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, doctors reported that most patients were in stable condition and expected to be discharged soon. Some victims had already received treatment and left the hospital before the delegation’s arrival.
To further assist the affected families, Governor Yahaya directed that the state government fully cover all medical expenses for the injured. The measure, he noted, was meant to support their recovery and ease the financial burden on their parents. ones.
