A tragic stampede at the Gombe Eid Ground on Sunday, March 30, 2025, resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to 20 others. The incident happened around 10:45 a.m. as worshippers rushed to leave the venue after Eid prayers.
According to the Gombe State Police Command, the stampede occurred due to inadequate exit access. A large crowd, mostly women and children, struggled to leave, causing chaos. The intense heat further worsened the situation.
Police spokesperson Buhari Abdullahi confirmed that 22 people were affected. They were quickly taken to hospitals for treatment. Unfortunately, a four-year-old boy and a six-month-old baby girl were pronounced dead.
The police extended their condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a quick recovery. The state government has pledged to cover all medical expenses for the victims.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State expressed his condolences to the affected families. He directed an investigation into the incident to prevent future tragedies. He also emphasized the importance of safety during large gatherings.
The police advised Eid Ground managers to keep all entrance and exit gates open during events to avoid similar incidents in the future.
This tragic event highlights the need for better crowd control at public gatherings to ensure the safety of attendees.