Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule has expressed shock over the stampede that took place at the State University, Keffi which claimed lives of two students.
The governor said the tragedy which occurred hours before the scheduled official flag-off of palliatives distribution, same morning was unfortunate.
A statement by Ibrahim Addra, the Chief Press Secretary, said Governor Sule deeply regrets the tragic death of two students of the institution “in this needless stampede motivated by crime.”
He said the incident reportedly 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 for distribution as palliatives to students.
“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,” the statement noted.
It quoted the governor praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased.
“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,” Governor Sule said.
The governor has since directed the authorities of the University, and security agencies to commence immediate investigation into the unfortunate occurrence with a view to unveiling those behind it.
“Those found to be involved in anyway will be apprehended and prosecuted accordingly,” the statement said.
He urged for calm while insisting that the Nasarawa State Government will not be distracted, but continue with the distribution of palliatives towards ameliorating the hardship faced by students and the people of the state.
