How two Gombe Eid-el-Fitri worshippers died at praying ground, 20 injured
A devastating stampede that occurred at the Gombe main Eid ground on Sunday has led to the death of two faithful worshippers.
Arewa PUNCH gathered that the stampede to exit the prayer ground resulted in the loss of two young lives and injured 20 others.
Our correspondent further reported that the incident happened at approximately 10:45 am, immediately after the conclusion of the Eid prayer, when a large crowd of men, women, and children rushed to exit the gate of the venue.
According to DSP Buhari Abdullahi, the Gombe State Police Public Relations Officer, “The stampede was caused by the lack of adequate exit access following the conclusion of the Eid prayers.
“We urge the managers of the Eid Grounds to ensure that all entrance and exit gates are opened to allow for smooth movement of worshippers, particularly after the prayers.”
Abdullahi in a press statement obtained by Arewa PUNCH, stated that “the Gombe State Police Command swiftly responded to the incident, evacuating 15 victims to Zainab Bulkachuwa Hospital and seven others to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, for medical treatment.”
While “extending the command’s condolences to the families of the deceased” and prayed “for the speedy recovery to the injured,” he added, “Sadly, two young girls, Aisha Salisu Ahmed (four and half years) and Maryam Abdullahi Gwani (four years), were certified dead by medical doctors while receiving treatment.”
Governor Muhammadu Yahaya in a press statement signed by the Director-General Press Affairs Gombe Government House Ismaila Misilli, lamented that the loss of young lives is a deeply sorrowful one, stressing further, “We grieve with their families during this difficult time, and our hearts are with them as they mourn the loss of their beloved children.”
Yahaya directed “a comprehensive investigation to thoroughly examine the circumstances that led to this unfortunate event, with a view to preventing such occurrences in the future.
While assuring the state government’s commitment to ensuring that lessons are learned and corrective measures put in place, the statement added, “the safety and well-being of our citizens remain a top priority.”
The governor had earlier sent a high-powered delegation, led by the Chief of Staff Government House, Alhaji Abubakar Kari, to visit the medical facilities where the victims were receiving treatment to sympathise with them as well as ensure that the affected individuals received the best possible care.
At all the facilities Arewa PUNCH visited, including the Zainab Bulkachuwa Hospital, Specialist Hospital and Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, most of the patients were seen in stable condition, with doctors assuring that they would be discharged soon, just as other patients from the same incident had been treated and discharged before the delegation’s visit.
Meanwhile, in a show of his genuine sympathy, the governor directed that all medical expenses for the victims be fully covered by the state government, who will also provide for their well-being and recovery.
Further speaking in relation to this gesture, Yahaya said the assistance was necessary to relieve their heavy-hearted parents of any financial burden related to the treatment of their loved ones.
