Two Dead, 20 Injured in Gombe Eid Stampede

Tragedy Strikes as Worshippers Rush to Exit Prayer Ground

A devastating stampede at the Gombe main Eid ground on Sunday, March 31, 2025, has led to the tragic death of two young girls and left 20 others injured. The incident occurred immediately after the conclusion of the Eid prayer, as thousands of worshippers attempted to exit the venue simultaneously, causing a chaotic crush at the main gate.

How the Stampede Happened

According to eyewitnesses, the stampede began around 10:45 am, when a large crowd of men, women, and children hurried toward the main exit gate. Due to limited exit access, the overwhelming pressure of the moving crowd resulted in some worshippers being trampled upon, leading to fatalities and injuries.

The Gombe State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Buhari Abdullahi, confirmed the details of the incident, attributing the cause to poor crowd management and insufficient exit points at the prayer ground.

In a press statement, Abdullahi emphasized the need for better organization, stating:

“The stampede was caused by the lack of adequate exit access following the conclusion of the Eid prayers. We urge the managers of the Eid ground to ensure that all entrance and exit gates are opened to allow for smooth movement of worshippers, particularly after prayers.”

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Casualties and Emergency Response

The Gombe State Police Command and emergency response teams swiftly intervened, providing immediate medical attention to the injured. According to police reports:

• 15 victims were transported to Zainab Bulkachuwa Hospital for medical care.
• Seven others were taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe for treatment.

Despite the quick response, two young girls, identified as Aisha Salisu Ahmed (4 years and six months) and Maryam Abdullahi Gwani (4 years), were declared dead by medical personnel while receiving treatment.

Expressing sympathy for the bereaved families, DSP Abdullahi stated:

“We extend our condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for a speedy recovery for the injured.”

Governor Yahaya Orders Investigation

Reacting to the tragic event, Governor Muhammadu Yahaya expressed deep sorrow over the loss of young lives. In a statement issued by the Director-General of Press Affairs, Ismaila Misilli, the governor stated:

“The loss of these young children is deeply sorrowful. We grieve with their families during this difficult time, and our hearts are with them as they mourn their beloved children.”

To prevent a recurrence of such incidents, Governor Yahaya has ordered a full-scale investigation into the circumstances that led to the stampede. The investigation will aim to:

• Identify the gaps in security and crowd control at the Eid prayer ground.
• Implement corrective measures to ensure the safety of worshippers in future events.

The governor reiterated that public safety remains a top priority for the state government, promising that lessons will be learned from the tragedy to enhance future event planning and security management.

State Government’s Support for Victims

In a show of compassion, Governor Yahaya has directed the Gombe State Government to cover all medical expenses for the victims receiving treatment. He also assured affected families of continuous support during their recovery process.

Additionally, the governor dispatched a high-powered delegation, led by Alhaji Abubakar Kari, Chief of Staff at the Government House, to visit the hospitals where victims were being treated. The delegation:

• Offered words of encouragement to the injured.
• Assessed their medical needs to ensure they received quality care.
• Spoke with doctors and hospital administrators to facilitate fast-tracked recovery.

At the Zainab Bulkachuwa Hospital, Federal Teaching Hospital, and Specialist Hospital, medical personnel reported that most of the injured victims were in stable condition and responding well to treatment. Some of the victims had even been discharged before the government’s delegation arrived.

Governor Yahaya emphasized that the state’s intervention would help relieve the financial burden on the victims’ families, stating:

“We recognize the pain that these families are going through, and it is our responsibility to support them in every way possible. Covering their medical expenses is the least we can do to ease their burden.”

Calls for Better Crowd Management at Religious Gatherings

In light of the tragedy, religious and community leaders have called for better safety measures during large gatherings, particularly at Eid prayer grounds. Some of the recommendations include:

• Opening multiple exit points to prevent overcrowding.
• Deploying security personnel to manage crowd movement.
• Installing barriers and pathways to direct foot traffic smoothly.
• Educating worshippers on safety measures before and after prayers.

DSP Buhari Abdullahi reiterated the importance of learning from this incident, urging event organizers to prioritize safety in future religious gatherings.

 A Tragic Loss, A Lesson for the Future

The Gombe Eid stampede serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of overcrowding and poor event management. The loss of two innocent lives has left families and the entire Gombe community in mourning, while the injured victims continue to recover from the incident.

The state government’s intervention, including a comprehensive investigation and medical support for victims, highlights the need for urgent improvements in crowd control measures at religious gatherings.

As Gombe State reflects on this painful incident, authorities must ensure that preventive actions are taken to avoid future tragedies, making worship grounds safer for all worshippers.