The Gombe State Police Command has confirmed the death of two children following a stampede at the main Eid ground in Gombe.
Police spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, revealing that the incident occurred around 10:45 a.m. at the exit gate, shortly after the Eid prayers ended.
He attributed the tragedy to inadequate exit routes, which led to a rush, particularly among women and children, trying to leave the venue.
The situation was further aggravated by the intense heat.
A total of 22 people were affected and were promptly taken to hospitals for treatment.
Unfortunately, a four-year-old boy and a six-month-old baby girl did not survive, as they were pronounced dead while receiving medical care.
The police extended their condolences to the families of the victims and urged Eid ground organizers to keep all entrance and exit gates open to ensure smoother movement in the future.
Meanwhile, Governor Inuwa Yahaya has expressed his sympathies to the affected families.
In a statement released by his media aide, the governor called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the stampede to prevent similar incidents in the future.
He reassured residents that their safety remains a priority and directed the state government to cover the medical expenses of those injured to support their recovery.