3 stampeded to death at Buhari’s Kebbi rally

Three people were reportedly stampeded to death at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential candidate Gen Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign rally in Birnin Kebbi.The State Commissioner of Police, Ishyaku Barau, who confirmed the incident to our reporter yesterday in Birnin Kebbi said: “Yes, we also have received report of three dead from the stampede. Those who […]

Three people were reportedly stampeded to death at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential candidate Gen Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign rally in Birnin Kebbi.
The State Commissioner of Police, Ishyaku Barau, who confirmed the incident to our reporter yesterday in Birnin Kebbi said: “Yes, we also have received report of three dead from the stampede. Those who sustained injury were treated at the hospital and have been discharged.”
Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred when a large crowd were forcing their way out of the single exit gate after attending the rally at Haliru Abdu Stadium Thursday night.  
“Five of them including my father were rushed to Sir Yahaya General Hospital where three died and two who sustained injury were treated,” AliyuBukar Umar, son of one of the deceased told newsmen during a condolence visit by Sen Adamu Aliero, the state APC governorship candidate SenAtikuBagudu,his DG campaign and former deputy governor Suleiman Mohammed Argungu, State APC chairman Barr Attahiru Maccido among others to the family residence at Ilela Yari in Birnin Kebbi.
Umar said his late father AlhBukar Umar,75, was a retired military officer from Adamawa State with four wives , 30 children and many grandchildren.
“I saw three dead bodies including my father and two others who sustained injuries at the hospital.
“We thank God for what happened and we are very grateful to those personalities and everybody who personally paid us condolence over the incident,” he stated.
Sen Aliero however told newsmen in an interview at the residence of the deceased that only two people died during the stampede.
He added: “Unfortunately, at the time we finished our campaign, people started rushing and as a result of that there was a stampede and about two people died.”
“We are at the deceased house to console their families and to pray to God Almighty to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable lose and may their gentle souls rest in peace.
“Our coming personally to sympathize and console the families of the bereaved is a testimony that we care for the people and the entire people of Kebbi State not just the families of the bereaved.
“The incident was certainly unintended; there is nothing anybody could do about it. God has willed it to happen.
“Our concern is always to protect the lives and properties of the people and it is so unfortunate that this event has happened.”
On whether there is any arrangement for compensation, Aliero said “no, this is personal.”