Katsina Tragedy: Four Dead, Dozens Injured in Ramadan Alms Stampede at Charity Event!
Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi (Journalist) | Sele Media Africa
At least four people have died and 18 others sustained injuries following a deadly stampede during the distribution of Ramadan alms (Zakkat) at a private residence in Katsina State, local authorities confirmed. The incident occurred on Thursday, 26 February 2026, in Kofar Guga Quarters, Katsina metropolis, as hundreds of residents gathered at the home of philanthropist Alhaji Dahiru Usman Sarki to receive annual charity.
The Katsina State Police Command stated that officers received an urgent call around 9:00 p.m. reporting a densely packed crowd. As residents surged to collect the alms, a chaotic stampede ensued, causing panic and injuring multiple people.
Emergency responders swiftly arrived on the scene, restoring order and transporting victims to medical facilities, including General Hospital Katsina. Despite prompt medical attention, four individuals succumbed to their injuries.
The deceased have been publicly identified as:
Bilkisu Mamman, 40, of Kerau Quarters
Ihsan Musbahu, 40, of Abattoir Quarters
Aisha Sani, 16, of Kofar Sauri Quarters
Salamatu Kabir, 45, of Sabuwar Unguwa Quarters
An additional victim, 15-year-old Hafsat Zubairu from Masanawa Quarters, was admitted to the Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina for further treatment.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama, reporting on local media, indicated that the stampede was reportedly triggered when some members of the crowd forced their way into the compound, sparking mass panic.
The police have invited the organisers of the Zakkat distribution for questioning as part of an ongoing investigation. Authorities also urged individuals and groups planning charity events to coordinate with law enforcement ahead of time to ensure proper crowd management and safety measures.
This tragedy underscores growing concerns over safety at large gatherings in Nigeria, especially during Ramadan and festive seasons, when mass distributions of charity are common. Experts and community leaders have emphasised the need for structured planning, coordination with security agencies, and proactive crowd control to prevent future fatalities.
Sources:
Punch Nigeria
Abuja Press
Naija News
Zagazola Makama
Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.
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