At least two female students from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, have died after a rush at the university's convocation square on Friday.
The square was where the Nasarawa State government gave out relief items to the students.
A source at the university told PUNCH Online that two female students died and several others were injured in the rush.
“We've heard that two female students have died. They were suffocated by the crowd and declared dead by healthcare workers,” the source said.
The National President of the Nasarawa State Students Association, Yunusa Baduku, confirmed that many students involved in the rush were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
He said, “What happened this morning at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, is very tragic.
“Following our plans to give relief items to the students at the university’s convocation square, they (students) suddenly arrived in large numbers and overwhelmed the security.
“They broke through the gate to the Convocation square where the bags of rice were to be distributed.
“Sadly, many of our female students were injured, and some were suffocated due to the large crowd.
“I'm currently at the Federal Medical Center Keffi, where we brought some students for urgent treatment.
Baduku also received an official report that one student died due to the incident.
“I can't confirm the exact number of those injured right now, as some are at the school’s clinic and others are at the FMC, Keffi receiving treatment.”
Baduku, however, praised the university’s management, student leaders, and state government representatives for their quick response in helping the students get medical attention.
“I want to thank the school management, student leaders, and the state government for their support at this time. They are all working hard to address the situation and restore normalcy to the school,” he said.
State Governor Abdullahi Sule had recently distributed aid to students of Federal University of Lafia, Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, Lafia, and College of Education, Akwanga.
