Authorities in Katsina State have launched an investigation following a tragic Ramadan alms stampede that left four people dead and several others injured.
The incident occurred on February 26, 2026, in the Kofar Guga Quarters area of Katsina when a large crowd gathered for a charitable alms distribution organized by philanthropist Alhaji Dahiru Usman Sarki.
According to the Katsina State Police Command, the situation escalated when hundreds of residents rushed to receive the Ramadan charity gifts, triggering a stampede that led to multiple casualties.
Police spokesperson Aliyu Abubakar said officers responded quickly after receiving a distress call at around 9 p.m. reporting chaos at the philanthropist’s residence.
Rescue teams and security personnel arrived at the scene and transported the injured victims to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Despite the efforts of medical workers, four victims later died from injuries sustained during the stampede, while several others are currently receiving treatment.
The Commissioner of Police in Katsina, Bello Shehu, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured victims a speedy recovery.
He also ordered a comprehensive investigation into the Katsina Ramadan stampede and directed officers to implement measures that will help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
In addition, the police command urged philanthropists, organizations, and individuals planning Ramadan charity distribution events to notify law enforcement authorities ahead of time.
Officials say early notification allows security agencies to deploy officers and establish proper crowd control measures to ensure public safety.
The tragedy has renewed concerns about crowd management during charity events in Nigeria, particularly during festive or religious periods when large numbers of people gather to receive assistance.
Similar incidents have occurred in recent years during food distributions and public gatherings across the country, prompting calls for improved planning, security presence, and safety coordination.
Authorities say updates will be provided as the police investigation progresses.
