Prof. Suleiman Bala-Mohammed, the Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, has identified impatience on the part of the students as the main factor behind the tragic stampede that claimed the lives of two students and injured 14 others on Friday.

According to Vistanaij Media, the stampede occurred when the students, accompanied by some troublemakers from the neighborhood, pounced on bags of rice donated by the state government to alleviate the prevailing economic hardships.

The rice consignment had been stored at the university’s convocation square, awaiting distribution by the governor on Friday morning.

As the governor’s arrival was awaited, the students and troublemakers overwhelmed the security personnel at the gate, stormed into the square, and began looting the bags of rice.

During the chaotic stampede, many individuals were trampled, resulting in the tragic casualties.

In response to the incident, Bala-Mohammed expressed that the students lacked the necessary patience for the orderly distribution of the rice.

“The state government’s gesture was intended to provide relief for the students considering the hardship prevalent across the country. Unfortunately, the students did not exercise enough patience to follow the process of accessing the palliatives.

“A stampede occurred, leading to numerous injuries and the loss of two students’ lives.

“This incident has tarnished our reputation, damaged our image, and brought disrepute upon us. We will not accept this. An investigation will be conducted, and we hope to gather all the facts and information.

“At this moment, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of our two deceased students, the university community, and those who were injured,” he expressed.

Bala-Mohammed called upon other students to continue with their academic activities, maintain peace, and adhere to regulations. He warned that any deviation from this course of action would only invite further trouble.