Niger Government House Stampede: Three Killed, Several Injured in Minna

At least three people have died and several others were injured after a stampede at the Niger State Government House in Minna on Tuesday night. The injured victims were taken to the General Hospital, Minna, for treatment.

The incident occurred as a large crowd gathered at the Government House amid efforts to engage youths who were reportedly planning a protest over the deaths of 37 artisanal miners in the state. An independent federal panel is currently investigating those deaths.

Among those confirmed dead were a woman identified as Dije and her daughter, Hurairat, both internally displaced persons from Allawa community in Shiroro Local Government Area. Hurairat had reportedly relocated to Minna after her husband, Abubakar, was killed by bandits in 2023 along the Allawa-Pandogari Road.

According to reports, Dije had been visiting her daughter when they heard that money would be distributed at the Government House. The two women subsequently joined the crowd gathered at the venue.

The turnout reportedly increased after information circulated that Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago would distribute N10,000 to people present. Some government appointees had earlier described the gathering on social media as an expression of solidarity with the governor.

Mallam Musa Allawa, an IDP from the affected community, told journalists that Dije and Hurairat were expected to be buried on Wednesday morning. Reports said several other people were injured during the stampede and taken to the Minna General Hospital.

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bago, Bologi Ibrahim, said the Niger State Government would issue an official statement on the incident. Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun also said he would verify the report and provide further information.