At least two students of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi(NSUK) have been confirmed dead in a stampede that took place at the institution’s convocation square where they were asked to come and pick up bags of rice sent as palliatives by the state government.
The sad incidence is reported to have occurred when suspected hoodlums and some misguided students forced their way into the school’s convocation ground to cart away the rice kept at the venue meant for distribution as palliatives to students.
This misfortune happened only hours before the scheduled official flag off same morning.
Engr. Sule had come up with the widely applauded initiative to distribute rice and N5000 cash each to students in all tertiary institutions in the state.
Such distribution was a huge success and peacefully carried out Federal University, Lafia, Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic,Lafia, College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Lafia, the School of Nursing, Lafia as well as the College of Education, Akwanga.
Others are the Federal Polytechnic, Nassarawa and the College of health Technology, Keffi.
Governor Sule deeply regrets the tragic death of two students of the institution in this needless stampede motivated by crime.
Governor said “ I pray their souls rest in peace. Our thoughts and condolences go to their families and friends at this moment of grief”. These young people’s lives cut short at their prime under such circumstance is painful”.
The Governor has since directed the authorities of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi and security agencies to commence immediate investigation into the unfortunate occurrence with a view to unveiling those behind it.
The state Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe has also visited the University on a fact finding mission. He also visited those who sustained injuries.
Those found to be involved in anyway will be apprehended and prosecuted accordingly.
The Governor urges for calm while insisting that the Nasarawa State Government under his leadership will
not be distracted but continue with the distribution of palliatives towards ameliorating the hardship face by students and the people of the state in general.
