A tragic stampede at the residence of the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, in Gusau, Zamfara State, has left one person dead and six others injured. The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Thursday when a large crowd gathered at the minister’s home to welcome him.
According to security sources, the situation quickly became chaotic as the number of people surged, leading to confusion and a deadly stampede. The crowd had assembled in anticipation of the minister’s arrival, a common occurrence in parts of northern Nigeria where top political figures often attract large gatherings of supporters and well-wishers.
The victim who died has been identified as 23-year-old Khalifa Uzairu. He was rushed to Farida General Hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival. Hospital officials said the injuries he sustained during the stampede were severe and that resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful.
Six other individuals—Ayuba Sani, Muhammadu Adams, Aliyu Aminu, Shaaban Hamisu, and Inusa Musa Shehu were taken to the hospital for treatment. Authorities stated on Friday that all six victims are responding to treatment and remain in stable condition.
Health workers at Farida General Hospital confirmed that most of the injured suffered fractures, bruises, and breathing difficulties caused by the pressure from the crowd. The hospital said it immediately activated an emergency response to handle the influx of patients.
Security operatives have since been deployed around Matawalle’s home to maintain order and prevent further disturbances. Residents of the area said the crowd started gathering earlier in the evening, long before the minister returned, creating tension in the usually quiet community.
Stampedes during political events or visits by government officials are not uncommon in parts of Nigeria, where crowd control measures are sometimes inadequate. Experts say such incidents often result from poor planning, lack of barriers, and insufficient coordination between security agencies and community leaders.
Alhaji Matawalle, who served as Governor of Zamfara State before becoming Defence Minister, is a prominent political figure in the region. His home has frequently attracted crowds of supporters, especially during festive periods or official engagements.
