On Friday, during the distribution of rice palliatives by the State government to students of Nasarawa State University, NSUK, in Keffi, three students were feared dead in a stampede.
The incident Uptown Press gathered occurred at the convocation square where the bags of rice were kept awaiting the arrival of Gov. Abdullahi Sule for the commencement of distribution.
According to a student who witnessed the incident, Moses Ajah, the surging crowd of students waiting to enter the square overpowered the security personnel and broke in through the gate thereby causing a stampede.
He described the incident as very unfortunate.
“Some of the students were struggling with the police over the rice and as more students got information, the situation degenerated.
“As we speak some students are injured and receiving treatment at the school.”
He said some students picked up bags of rice and ran to their hostels and other places of residence even as the governor was yet to arrive to inaugurate the distribution.
As at the time of filing this report, police officers were seen retrieving the palliatives from students.
Contacted, Mr Abraham Ekpo, Information and Protocol Officer of the University, said he was aware of the incident but yet to get detailed information about it.
