Three University Students Die In Stampede As Nasarawa Govt Distributes Rice

The excruciating pang of hunger rampaging through Africa’s most populous nation exerted itself again today in Keffi, Nasarawa state, North Central Nigeria as three students of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), reportedly died on Friday in a stampede during the distribution of rice palliative by the state government. The incident happened at the university’s convocation square in Keffi, where the bags of rice were kept awaiting the arrival of the state Governor, Abdullahi Sule, for the commencement of distribution. However, the surging crowd of students waiting to enter the square overpowered the security personnel and broke in through the gate, causing a stampede. An eyewitness, Moses Ajah, who spoke with journalists, described the incident as unfortunate. He said some students picked up bags of rice and ran to their hostels and other places of residence even as the governor was yet to arrive to inaugurate the distribution. He said, “Some of the students were struggling with the police over the rice, and as more students got information, the situation degenerated. “As we speak some students are injured and receiving treatment at the school.” Police officers have begun retrieving the palliatives from students. Meanwhile, the University’s Protocol Officer, Abraham Ekpo, confirmed the incident and promised to give details later.

Gunmen Strike Again, Kidnap Nasarawa Varsity Students

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have struck once again, this time targeting students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK).  At least four students have been abducted in an incident that unfolded outside the school campus in the Angwan Kare area of Keffi on Monday night. This alarming incident comes hot on the heels of another kidnapping that occurred just a day earlier.  On Sunday night, Professor Haruna Ayuba Kuje, the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) of NSUK, was abducted. The four students who have been taken captive are identified as Rahila Hanya (SLT), Josephine Gershon (Computer Science), Rosemary Samuel (Business Administration), and Goodness Samuel from the Geography Department.  It has been revealed that all of them are 100-level students. Comrade Solomon Timmy, the head of the Student Union Government (SUG), confirmed this harrowing incident to the media on Tuesday, urging everyone to remain calm as efforts are underway to secure the safe release of the abducted students. Additionally, Comrade Riwonga Lucky Ali, the SUG Secretary-General, issued a statement assuring students that measures are being taken to ensure the victims’ safe return. In a glimmer of hope amid these distressing events, there is news of the release of Professor Kuje. Samuel Alu, Chairman of NSUK Chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has confirmed that Prof. Kuje was freed on Tuesday and has been reunited with his family. The former DVC’s kidnapping, which occurred at his private residence in Keffi on Sunday night, had sent shockwaves through the academic community. Authorities and security forces continue to work diligently to ensure the safe return of the abducted students and to bring those responsible to justice.