Four women trampled to death in Bauchi alms-giving stampede

At least four individuals tragically lost their lives on Sunday during an almsgiving event at Shafa Holdings Company Plc on Jos Road in Bauchi, Bauchi State, due to a stampede.

According to reports, the incident occurred around 10:20 am during the company's annual Zakat exercise, aimed at assisting the less privileged in the state.

Bauchi State Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakili, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with PUNCH Metro, revealing that five people were rendered unconscious during the stampede. Sadly, four of them were pronounced dead by the attending doctor at the Abubakar Tafewa Balewa Teaching Hospital Bauchi.

Wakili stated, “The command received a distress call around 10:20 am from Abubakar Tafewa Balewa Teaching Hospital Bauchi, reporting that five individuals were brought in unconscious due to the stampede, as informed by a Good Samaritan. Upon receiving the call, the Commissioner of Police, Musa Mohammed, instructed the area commander to respond to the scene.”

“We have secured the area and transported the injured to the hospital. Out of the five individuals taken to the hospital, four were confirmed dead by medical personnel. The incident occurred during a Zakat exercise conducted by Shafa Holding Company along Jos Road, which was the primary cause of the stampede,” he added.

Wakili also emphasized the importance of involving relevant stakeholders, especially the police, when carrying out charitable activities for the less privileged to manage crowd control effectively.

He further stated, “The command urges the public to continue their lawful activities as the situation is now under control. Wealthy individuals in the community are advised to exercise caution during charity events, particularly when dealing with large crowds, by involving the police to implement necessary measures as per standard operational procedures."

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the public and the families of the deceased. The commissioner of police has ordered a thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident,” Wakili concluded.