By Ayodele Oni
Police in Katsina state has invited organizers of Ramadan Zakkat programme where no fewer than four persons lost their lives, while 18 others sustained injuries following a stampede.
It was gathered that the incident happened during the distribution of Ramadan Zakkat in Katsina metropolis.
The incident reportedly occurred around 9pm on Saturday, at the residence of Alhaji Dahiru Usman Sarki, located in the Kofar Guga area of the state capital.
A security analyst, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the development in a post on X on Saturday, noting that a large crowd had gathered at the venue to receive the annual Ramadan alms when chaos broke out.
According to him, the situation degenerated after some persons allegedly forced their way into the compound, triggering a stampede as beneficiaries scrambled for safety.
The Divisional Police Officer in charge of the Central Police Station was said to have swiftly deployed officers to the scene, where normalcy was eventually restored.
Eighteen victims who suffered varying degrees of injuries were evacuated to the General Hospital, Katsina, for medical attention. Medical personnel later confirmed four of the victims dead.
They were identified as Bilkisu Mamman, 40, from Kerau Quarters; Ihsan Musbahu, 40, of Abattoir Quarters; Aisha Sani, 16, from Kofar Sauri Quarters; and Salamatu Kabir, 45, of Sabuwar Unguwa Quarters.
Makama further disclosed that a 15-year-old victim, Hafsat Zubairu of Masanawa Quarters, was subsequently referred to the Federal Teaching Hospital for advanced treatment.
The Police confirmed that the organisers of the Zakkat distribution have been invited for questioning as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the stampede continue.
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