Nigeria: Police Speak On Stampede During Distribution of Palliatives in Katsina

"The command remains committed to providing timely updates and transparent information on matters concerning public safety and security."

The Police Command in Katsina State has dismissed as false, the report making the rounds in social media that eight persons died in a stampede during the distribution of palliatives.

This is contained in a statement issued by the command's Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abubakar Aliyu, on Thursday in Katsina.

"Katsina State Police Command is aware of the recent misinformation making the rounds in social media alleging the deaths of eight people at GRA Katsina as a result of a stampede.

"We wish to categorically clarify the misinformation in circulation," he said.

He said "Following a thorough investigation and verification of the facts surrounding the matter.

"We can confirm that on April 3, 2024, a former gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Yakubu Lado-Danmarke, shared alms/palliatives to some members of the public at GRA Katsina.

"As a result of which the venue of the distribution was heavily crowded thereby obstructing vehicular movement and public thoroughfare."

However, he said, the command made adequate deployment of personnel to the venue to ensure a seamless distribution process and the safety of the members of the public.

According to him, nobody died during the distribution of the palliative.

Mr Aliyu said that the Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Abubakar-Musa, therefore urged the public to always rely on credible sources of information and official statements from the command for accurate and verified information.

The CP further cautioned the public against sharing unverified information, especially on social media platforms for peace in the state.

"The command remains committed to providing timely updates and transparent information on matters concerning public safety and security," he quoted the CP as saying.

(NAN)

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.