At least two children died and 20 other people were injured in a stampede at the Eid-el-Fitr prayers in Gombe State on Sunday.
The spokesman for the state police command, Buhari Abdullahi, said in a statement on Sunday that the tragic incident occurred around 10:45 a.m. at the exit gate of the Eid Ground, immediately after prayers had concluded.
According to Abdullahi, the stampede was triggered by overcrowding at the exit gate as a large crowd, primarily women and children, rushed to leave the venue.
He said: “The situation, worsened by intense heat, led to the unfortunate incident.
“A total of 22 individuals were affected and were immediately taken to nearby hospitals for medical attention.
“Regrettably, two of the victims, a four-year-old boy and a six-month-old baby girl, were pronounced dead by doctors while receiving treatment.”
© Ripples Nigeria