From Kamilu Lawal, Katsina.
No fewer than four persons have been confirmed dead, while several others sustained injuries following a stampede during the distribution of Ramadan alms at Kofar Guga Quarters in Katsina State.
The tragic incident occurred at about 9pm on February 26, 2026, at the residence of a philanthropist, Alhaji Dahiru Usman Sarki, where a large crowd had gathered for the annual charity exercise.
Confirming the development, the Katsina State Police Command said a distress call was received at the Central Police Station in Katsina reporting that the crowd surge had led to a stampede.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, disclosed that officers were immediately deployed to the scene, while victims were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
He said four of the injured victims later died while receiving medical attention, adding that others are currently responding to treatment.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Bello Shehu, commiserated with the families of the deceased and wished the injured quick recovery.
Shehu also ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and directed that measures be put in place to prevent a recurrence.
The Command urged individuals and organisations planning to distribute alms or organise large gatherings to notify the police beforehand to enable adequate security deployment and crowd control.
