Francis Sardauna in Katsina
Tragedy struck in Kofar Guga Quarters in Katsina metropolis as four people were confirmed dead as a result of a stampede during the distribution annual Ramadan alms.
The incident occurred on Friday at about 9:00 p.m. at the residence of a philanthropist, Alhaji Dahiru Usman Sarki, where a large crowd had gathered to receive charity items.
Confirming the incident in a statement, the Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, said a distress call was received at the Central Police Station in Katsina that the gathering had spiraled out of control, leading to a stampede.
He explained that police operatives were immediately deployed in the scene to restore order and rescue victims, but four of the victims later succumbed to injuries sustained during the stampede.
He confirmed that a full-scale investigation has commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and to forestall similar occurrences in the future.
Aliyu said: “On the 26th February, 2026, at about 9pm, a distress call was received at the Central Police Station in Katsina about a large crowd gathered at the residence of one Alh Dahiru Usman Sarki, a philanthropist, situated at Kofar Guga Quarters, Katsina, resulting in a stampede incident.
“Upon receipt of the report, promptly, a team of policemen responded to the scene. The rescuers rushed the victims to the nearest hospital for medical attention. Unfortunately, 4 of the injured later succumbed to their injuries.
“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Bello Shehu, extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes those injured a speedy recovery as he directed for further investigation and necessary measures to prevent future occurrences.”
He urged individuals and organizations planning public charity events, particularly during the Ramadan period, to notify the police in advance to enable adequate security deployment and crowd control measures.
He stressed that proactive coordination with police and other security agencies would help ensure the safety of beneficiaries and prevent avoidable loss of life.
