Three Nasarawa State University students were confirmed dead on Friday in a stampede after looting rice distributed by the state government.
The event occurred in the convocation square, where the rice bags were kept awaiting Governor Abdullahi Sule’s arrival to begin distribution.
According to a student witness, Moses Ajah, the mob of students waiting to access the square outnumbered the security staff and smashed past the barrier, resulting in a stampede.
He described the occurrence as extremely unfortunate.
“Some of the students were struggling with the police over the rice and as more students got information, the situation degenerated.
“As we speak, some students are injured and receiving treatment at the school clinic,” he went on to say.
He claimed that some students grabbed bags of rice and dashed to their hostels and other places of living while the governor was still on his way to commence the distribution.
As of the time of reporting this story, police officials were spotted taking the palliatives from the students.
When contacted, Mr Abraham Ekpo, the University’s Information and Protocol Officer, stated that he was aware of the occurrence but had yet to receive specifics.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Sule recently launched a palliative programme for students at state tertiary schools.
He has visited Federal University, Lafia, College of Education, Akwanga among others where he distributed 7.5 kg bags of rice and N5,000 to each students.a