The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Niger State government to investigate the circumstances that led to the death of three persons in a Stampede at Government House, Minna, on Tuesday.
It was reported that a stampede broke out in Niger State Government House at the distribution of N10,000 by the state government to stop a planned demonstration by the youths over the death of 37 alleged illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Many people also got injured as well.
Atiku, in a statement issued by the Director, Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Phrank Shaibu, said the state government should probe how the gathering was announced and managed, and provide meaningful support to the bereaved families and injured persons.
The former Vice President stated that people could die in a stampede in a bid to collect ₦10,000, which speaks of the pressure Nigerian households are going through to eke out a living under the All Progressives Congress (APC) led FederalGovernment.
He, however, said that help offered in the name of government should be organised with dignity and with the safety of the people as its first concern.
“Three Nigerians reportedly went to a Government House and did not return home. I mourn them with their families. I pray for those who were injured and call for their immediate care,” Atiku said.
He stated that the victims should not be blamed for seeking help.
“The question for those in authority is how three lives came to be lost at the gates of government, and what will be done to ensure it never happens again.
“As Nigeria approaches Independence Day, this tragedy demands more than condolences.
“A nation cannot call itself prosperous while its citizens risk their lives for ₦10,000.
“We must make life affordable again and treat every Nigerian life as precious,” Atiku added.
