There was tragedy on Sallah Day this Sunday in Gombe State as two persons died at the Central Eid praying ground following a stampede that occurred.
Our correspondent reports that the stampede happened at about 10:45pm shortly after the conclusion of the eid prayers led by the chief imam of Gombe and attended by the state governor, Inuwa Yahaya and Emir of Gombe, Abubakar Shehu Abubakar.
LEADERSHIP observed that the stampede occurred at the exit gate as numerous people struggled to move out.
It was gathered that not less than 22 persons were affected by the stampede, out of which two lost their lives.
The Gombe State Police Command, through its spokesperson, Buhari Abdullahi, confirmed the incident.
According to him, there was a large crowd, primarily consisting of women and children who rushed to leave the venue in haste, which, coupled with the intense heat, a development that to led to the stampede.
“As a result, 22 persons were affected. A swift response was made as ambulances from the Gombe State Government House quickly evacuated 15 victims to Zainab Bulkachuwa Hospital, while seven others were taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, for medical treatment.
“Regrettably, two of the victims were certified dead by the medical doctor while receiving treatment, namely: Aisha Salisu Ahmed, aged 4 and half years, and Maryam Abdullahi Gwani, 4 years old,” he noted.
The Police Command advised the managers of eid grounds to ensure that all entrance and exit gates are open to allow for smooth movement of worshippers, particularly after the prayers while attributing the stampede to the lack of adequate exit access following the conclusion of the eid prayers.
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