A tragic incident unfolded at Shafa Holdings Company Plc on Jos Road in Bauchi State on Sunday, resulting in the loss of seven lives in a stampede during an almsgiving exercise.

The stampede occurred around 10 a.m. during the company's annual Zakat exercise, aimed at providing assistance to the less privileged in the state. The situation escalated rapidly, leading to the tragic loss of lives.

Bauchi State Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakili, confirmed that the police received a distress call from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital Bauchi, reporting five unconscious individuals brought in due to the stampede. Upon receiving the call, the Commissioner of Police, Musa Mohammed, directed the area commander to respond immediately.

Wakili reported, "We have cordoned off the place and evacuated those injured to the hospital. In the process, five people were in the hospital, but four were confirmed dead by medical doctors." The exercise, organized by Shafa Holdings Company, was identified as the primary cause of the stampede.

In an update provided on Monday, Wakili sadly stated that three additional women lost their lives. Two of them passed away at the Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, while the third woman died at home.

The deceased individuals were identified as Aisha Usman, Sahura Abubakar, Aisha Ibrahim Abubakar, Khadija Isah, Maryam Suleiman, Maryam Shuibu, and Hassana Saidu. Their untimely demise has left the community in mourning and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures during large gatherings and events.