At least three people have been killed and several others injured in a stampede at the Niger State Government House in Minna.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night as a large crowd gathered at the government premises following reports that Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago would distribute N10,000 to those present.
The gathering was initially linked to youths who were reportedly planning a protest over the recent deaths of 37 artisanal miners. However, the crowd reportedly swelled after information about the proposed cash distribution spread.
Among the deceased were a woman identified as Dije and her daughter, Hurairat, both internally displaced persons from Allawa community in Shiroro Local Government Area.
Hurairat had relocated to Minna after fleeing Allawa following attacks by bandits, while her husband, Abubakar, a butcher, was reportedly killed on the Allawa-Pandogari Road in 2023.
Dije, who was also living as an IDP in Gurmana, had reportedly visited her daughter when they heard about the planned distribution and decided to go to the Government House together.
An Allawa community member, Mallam Musa Allawa, said Dije and Hurairat were scheduled to be buried at 10am on Wednesday.
Several people were injured during the stampede and were taken to the Minna General Hospital for medical attention.
Some government appointees had earlier posted on social media that the youths were at the Government House to show solidarity with the governor. The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Bologi Ibrahim, said the government would issue a statement on the incident.
The Niger State Police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, also said he would verify the incident and provide further information.
