Little Girl Dies, Others Injured In Stampede As Residents Jostle For Governor’s Pre-Election Cash Distribution
A tragic incident occurred on Friday in Bida, Niger State, where a little girl reportedly lost her life and several others sustained injuries following a stampede during an alleged cash distribution exercise linked to Governor Umar Bago’s pre-election activities.
According to SaharaReporters, the incident took place near House 7, the governor’s usual lodge in the Bida Local Government Area where thousands of residents had gathered in anticipation of receiving monetary handouts reportedly promised by the governor ahead of the November 1 local government elections.
Eyewitnesses told SaharaReporters that the large crowd had assembled after being informed that Governor Bago would personally distribute cash gifts to residents. However, the situation turned chaotic when word spread that the governor had arrived, causing a rush that led to the fatal stampede.
“Look at our people, Allah this is a moment and a sign of hardship in Niger State,” one resident lamented, describing the crowd as “a reflection of the suffering and desperation among the people.”
Another eyewitness explained that many had come with the hope of receiving between ₦2,000 and ₦10,000, adding that the number of attendees was overwhelming.
“There were more than 5,000 people. Everyone was struggling to get closer, and before we knew it, people started falling and screaming,” he said.
According to multiple reports, at least one young girl was confirmed dead at the scene, while several others sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals.
Some unverified accounts claimed that two additional people might have died, although this could not be independently confirmed.
Sources said the tragedy followed the governor’s arrival in Bida on Thursday, where he met with youth leaders and directed them to inform residents to gather on Friday for the distribution of cash.
However, as of press time, it was unclear whether Governor Bago personally handed out any money or officially addressed the crowd.
This is not the first time such an incident has been associated with the governor’s public handouts. In the early months of his administration, Bago was reported to have organized weekly gatherings at the Government House, where ₦5,000 was distributed to residents.
That exercise was reportedly discontinued after a pregnant woman lost her pregnancy and several others fainted in a similar stampede.
As of the time of filing this report, officials from the Niger State Government have not issued an official statement regarding the latest incident.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
