Hundreds of persons trying to collect N500 alms at the residence of one Maah Gafai in Rafindadi area of Katsina State stampeded leading to the death of five of them.
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A yearly routine, which often takes place during the last ten days of Ramadan at Gafai’s residence, this year’s was struck by disaster following the large turnout of alms seekers(file image).
Reports said as early as 4.00am on the fateful day a mammoth crowd most of them women and children had gathered for Gafai’s cash gift. The philanthropist was said to be in Mecca for
Lesser Hajj and one Kamal, believed to be his son disbursed the money.
Stamped, however, ensued as alms seekers became disorderly in their bids to collect the alms. About five persons, all children were reportedly stampeded to death while several people sustained various degree of injuries.
It was further gathered that Kamal who disbursed the money has been arrested.
The state Commissioner of Police, Abdullahi Usman, confirmed the incident adding that investigation had commenced.
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