Two Dead, 20 Injured in Gombe Eid Stampede

A tragic incident occurred in Gombe State on Sallah Day, as two people lost their lives and 20 others sustained injuries in a stampede at the Central Eid praying ground. The stampede took place around 10:45 a.m. after the conclusion of the Eid prayers led by the Chief Imam of Gombe. The prayers were attended by Governor Inuwa Yahaya and Emir of Gombe, Abubakar Shehu Abubakar.

Eyewitnesses reported that the stampede happened at the exit gate as a large crowd, consisting mostly of women and children, struggled to leave the venue. The Gombe State Police Command confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, Buhari Abdullahi. According to him, the combination of a massive crowd and intense heat led to a chaotic rush, resulting in injuries and fatalities.

Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene. Fifteen victims were transported to Zainab Bulkachuwa Hospital, while seven others were taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, for medical treatment. Unfortunately, two children, identified as Aisha Salisu Ahmed, aged four and a half, and Maryam Abdullahi Gwani, aged four, were pronounced dead at the hospital.

The Police Command urged the managers of Eid grounds to ensure that all entrance and exit gates remain open to prevent future occurrences. Authorities attributed the stampede to inadequate exit access after prayers and stressed the importance of better crowd management at large gatherings.