Two children have died, and 20 others were injured following a stampede at the main Eid Ground in Gombe State, police officials confirmed Sunday.
According to DSP Buhari Abdullahi, spokesperson for the Gombe State Police Command, the incident occurred around 10:45 a.m. at the exit gate immediately after Eid prayers concluded.
“The stampede was caused by inadequate exit access, as a large crowd, primarily women and children, rushed to leave the venue,” Abdullahi said in a statement. “The situation, worsened by intense heat, led to the unfortunate incident.”
All 22 affected individuals were rushed to local hospitals for treatment. Tragically, medical personnel pronounced two children dead – a four-year-old boy and a six-month-old baby girl – while they were receiving emergency care.
The police have extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery. They also urged Eid Ground managers to ensure all entrance and exit gates remain open to facilitate smoother crowd movement, especially after prayers.
In response to the tragedy, Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the stampede and directed that all medical expenses for the injured be covered by the state government.
“The safety and well-being of our citizens remain a top priority. The state government is committed to learning from this incident and implementing corrective measures,” Governor Yahaya said through a statement issued by his media aide.
The governor also expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and others affected by the tragedy.
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