Nasarawa Stampede Not Negligence by Govt – Gov. Sule Responds to Falana

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has responded to human rights advocate Femi Falana’s statement that official negligence led to the death of two students during a palliative distribution stampede at the Nasarawa State University in Keffi.

In an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Governor Sule said the incident was not a result of negligence on the part of the government.

The governor had ordered the distribution of two 7.5 kg bags of rice and N5,000 to each student of the state university.

Unfortunately, two students – Grace Danladi and Rose Michael – died in the stampede, while others were injured.

Falana had described the deaths as unfortunate, noting that the university authorities failed to learn from a recent incident in Lagos where seven people died during a similar distribution of 25kg bags of rice by the Nigeria Customs Service.

He called for an investigation into the allegations of criminal negligence and compensation for the bereaved families.

In response, Governor Sule clarified that the incident had nothing to do with planning or negligence.

He said that the stampede occurred because some students thought their names were being replaced by the Students’ Union Government, leading to anxiety and a rush for the palliatives.

The governor expressed sadness over the loss of two students and said that his deputy and commissioners had paid condolence visits to the families.

He stated that the government would support the families with some form of assistance but would not use the word “compensation” because the incident was not due to negligence on the part of the government.

The governor emphasized that the tragedy was not a result of planning and that the security personnel present did not use force during the incident.

He also expressed disappointment that some people were politicizing the tragedy.

As the investigation into the incident continues, it is important for the authorities to consider the safety and well-being of students during future events.

Additionally, the government should ensure that the families of the deceased students receive the support they need during this difficult time.