Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has expressed regret over the tragic deaths of two students from Nasarawa State University during a stampede that occurred during a palliative distribution event at the institution.
Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s “Sunday Politics,” Governor Sule refuted claims of negligence or poor planning on the part of the government, asserting that the unfortunate incident was not a result of governmental oversight.
The governor’s remarks come in response to criticism from human rights activist Femi Falana, who attributed the students’ deaths to “official negligence.”
Governor Sule clarified that the distribution exercise, which included two 7.5 kg bags of rice and N5,000 for each student, was conducted with similar efficiency at eight other locations before the tragic incident unfolded at Nasarawa State University in Keffi, the state capital.
Tragically, two students, Grace Danladi and Rose Micheal, lost their lives during the stampede, while several others sustained injuries in the chaos preceding the distribution of palliatives.
While acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Governor Sule emphasized that the stampede was not a result of inadequate planning but rather stemmed from the misperception among some students that their names were being replaced on the distribution list by the Students’ Union Government.
“We are very sad that two students died. We are talking with the families. So, for somebody to politicise it? It’s unfortunate that we are in a country where everybody looks at a tragedy and politicise it.
“During the process, they (students), overpowered the security and God so kind, the security did not open fire on anybody. So, it’s not like anybody was shot.
“It was during the stampede that happened, may be, these two students fell and other students marched on them. So, who are you going to look for compensation from? The students or the management of the university.”
Governor Sule assured that his administration is liaising with the families of the deceased students to provide support and assistance, although he refrained from using the term “compensation,” as he maintained that the incident was not due to governmental negligence.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the deputy governor and commissioners have visited the families of the deceased students to convey condolences and offer support during this difficult time.
