The death toll from the stampede during an almsgiving exercise in Bauchi State has risen to seven, according to reports on Monday.
The tragic incident occurred at the headquarters of Shafa Holdings Company Plc along Jos Road during the company’s annual Zakat exercise aimed at assisting the less privileged.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakili, confirmed the situation, stating, “The command received a distress call from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital Bauchi, indicating that five people were brought unconscious due to the stampede.”
He added that upon receiving the call, the Commissioner of Police directed the area commander to the scene.
Wakili explained, “We have cordoned off the place and evacuated those injured to the hospital. In the process, five people were in the hospital, but four were confirmed dead by medical doctors.”
However, providing an update, Wakili revealed that three additional women have lost their lives, bringing the total number of casualties to seven. He stated that two women died at the Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, while the third passed away at home.
The deceased victims were identified as Aisha Usman, Sahura Abubakar, Aisha Ibrahim Abubakar, Khadija Isah, Maryam Suleiman, Maryam Shuibu, and Hassana Saidu.
