The Katsina State Police Command has begun an investigation into the death of four persons following a stampede during a Ramadan alms-giving exercise in Katsina State.
The tragic incident occurred on February 26, 2026, at Kofar Guga Quarters in Katsina metropolis. According to the police, a large crowd gathered at the residence of a philanthropist, Alhaji Dahiru Usman Sarki, where food items and other forms of charity were being distributed as part of Ramadan activities.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Aliyu Abubakar, said the command received a distress call at about 9 pm reporting that a crowd surge had led to a stampede at the venue.
“Upon receipt of the report, a team of policemen promptly responded to the scene. The rescuers rushed the victims to the nearest hospital for medical attention. Unfortunately, four of the injured later succumbed to their injuries,” the statement said.
The police spokesperson added that several other persons sustained injuries during the incident and are currently receiving treatment at a medical facility. The exact number of injured persons was not disclosed as of press time.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Bello Shehu, expressed sympathy with the families of the deceased and wished those who were injured a quick recovery. He also ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the stampede.
“The Commissioner of Police extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes those injured a speedy recovery. He has directed further investigation and necessary measures to prevent future occurrences,” the statement added.
Ramadan, the holy month of fasting observed by Muslims worldwide, is a period marked by prayers, charity and community support. Across northern Nigeria, wealthy individuals and organisations often distribute food items, cash and other essentials to support the less privileged during this time.
However, large gatherings for alms distribution have sometimes led to overcrowding and safety concerns. In many communities, people struggling with poverty and rising food prices often turn out in large numbers to benefit from such gestures.
Katsina State, like many parts of the country, has been affected by economic hardship in recent years. Rising inflation and unemployment have increased the number of families in need of assistance. As a result, charity events during Ramadan often attract huge crowds, sometimes beyond what organisers expect.
Witnesses in the area said the crowd at Kofar Guga had grown rapidly before the incident. Some residents said people had gathered from different parts of the city after hearing that alms were being shared. As more people arrived, pushing and shoving reportedly began, leading to the deadly stampede.
Community leaders in Katsina have described the incident as unfortunate and called for better planning of such events in the future. They stressed that while charity is encouraged in Islam, safety must also be a priority.
The police have now urged philanthropists and organisations planning similar events to notify security agencies in advance. According to the command, prior notice would allow the police to deploy officers to manage the crowd and maintain order.
“The Command calls on individuals who wish to distribute alms to members of the public to notify the Command for adequate security coverage to ensure the safety of lives and property, as well as orderliness during such events, to prevent similar incidents in the future,” the statement said.
In recent years, there have been similar incidents in different parts of Nigeria during charity distributions, festive periods or public events where large crowds gathered. Authorities often blame poor planning, lack of crowd control measures and failure to involve security agencies.
As investigations continue, the police are expected to review what went wrong in Kofar Guga. This may include examining whether adequate arrangements were made, how the crowd was managed, and what safety measures were in place before the distribution began.
Residents of the area have expressed sadness over the loss of lives. Some families in the community were reportedly preparing for the end of the fasting day when news of the stampede spread. The incident has cast a shadow over what is usually a period of reflection and generosity.
Religious leaders in Katsina have called for prayers for the victims and their families. They also reminded the public of the need for patience and orderliness during public events.
