The Sokoto State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on security agencies in the state to probe an alleged stampede in Senator Aliyu Wamakko’s house.
This comes after it was reported by a senior officer of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Sokoto State Command, that over thirty people had varying degrees of injuries and that nine people, including an official of the command, had perished.
Jerrymusa.com reports that the event occurred during the delivery of Sallah commodities by Senate Aliyu Wamakko, the former governor of the state, at his residence, according to a statement issued by the party’s publicity secretary in the state, Hassan Sahabi Sanyinnawal.
‘Stampede’ A Product Of National Food Crisis
“We have been informed of the regrettable stampede that occurred at the Gawon Nama neighbourhood of Sokoto, the residence of Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, representing Sokoto North. The rush resulted in fatalities and injuries during the distribution of Sallah items to crowds of people.
“We are deeply saddened by the catastrophe and offer our condolences to the families of the ten or more individuals who lost their lives. We also pray for the recovery of the victims who were hurt at the scene of the unfortunate event.
“However, in order to prevent another unpleasant incidence like this one, the PDP wants to urge security agencies to begin a full investigation into the situation.
“Due to inadequate planning, this has happened at the same location before with little consideration for the safety of human lives.
“Our party feels that instead of the occasional sprinkling of cash on the street, people should receive true rewards of democracy that would lift them out of poverty and the dehumanising exercise of sharing out cheap items at the cost of their safety.”
As a result, the party requested that the relatives of those who were reportedly killed and those who were hurt in the incident receive compensation.
Remember that the Senator gave out various garments, specifically for the less fortunate to enjoy the impending Sallah festival, in addition to giving his home to others who were less fortunate so they could break their fast.
Nine individuals lost their lives in the stampede, according to a senior NSCDC official in the state command who talked with our correspondent on the condition of anonymity.
He added that eight other people who are purportedly dead in the tragedy and a female employee of the corps attached to the residence are also casualties.
In addition, he said that over thirty more individuals were being treated at the hospital as a result of the regrettable event.
Additionally, ASP Ahmad Rufai, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force’s Sokoto State command, verified the stampede but was unable to confirm the exact number of casualties as of the time this report was filed.