Two young children tragically lost their lives following a stampede that occurred at the Gombe main Eid prayer ground on Sunday. The victims, Aisha Salisu Ahmed, 4½, and Maryam Abdullahi Gwani, 4, were caught in the chaos as a crowd, predominantly made up of women and children, rushed to leave the venue in a panic.
The incident left several others injured, some of whom sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The state’s Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, expressed his deep sorrow and condolences to the families of the deceased, calling the tragedy a painful loss for the entire community.
In a statement released by the Director-General of Press Affairs at the Government House, Ismaila Uba Misilli, Governor Yahaya conveyed his sympathies, saying, “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 also assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the incident and prevent such occurrences in the future.
“The safety and well-being of our citizens remain a top priority,” the Governor emphasized, adding that corrective actions would be implemented to avoid similar incidents in the future.
In response to the incident, a high-powered delegation, led by the Chief of Staff of the Government House, Abubakar Inuwa Kari, was sent to visit the injured at various medical facilities. The delegation visited Zainab Bulkachuwa Hospital, Specialist Hospital, and the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, where the victims were receiving treatment. According to reports from the medical staff, most of the injured were in stable condition, with many having already been discharged by the time of the delegation’s visit.
Governor Yahaya has also directed that the state government cover all medical expenses for those affected, including the treatment of the injured and the families of the two deceased children, to ensure they are not burdened by financial costs during this difficult period.
This heartbreaking event highlights the critical need for improved crowd management and safety measures during large gatherings to ensure that such tragic incidents do not repeat.
