A tragic stampede at the residence of Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Bello Matawalle, in Gusau, Zamfara State, has left one person dead and six others injured.
The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Thursday evening, as a large crowd had gathered to greet the minister during an announced visit home.
According to a post on X by counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama, the gathering became chaotic and triggered the stampede.
The fatality was identified as a 23-year-old man, Khalifa Uzairu, who was confirmed dead upon arrival at the Farida General Hospital, Gusau.
The injured included: Ayuba Sani, Muhammadu Adams, Aliyu Aminu, Shaaban Hamisu and Inusa Musa Shehu. They are receiving medical attention in stable condition.
In response, security personnel were deployed to the scene to restore order, and investigations have been initiated to ascertain the causes of the stampede and identify any responsibility.
While investigations are on, the incident has raised the risks of crowd control at public or semi-public gatherings, especially when large numbers gather to greet prominent figures.
While the exact trigger of the stampede remains under investigation, the time, large crowd and likely inadequate crowd management appear to be factors.
