A human rights organisation, Amnesty International, has called on the Nigerian authorities to investigate the reported deaths of three people in a stampede in Niger State.
According to Amnesty, the incident happened as people gathered at Government House, Minna, in response to rumours that Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State would give cash handouts on Tuesday.
The organisation said the incident shows the increasing impoverishment of the people nationwide.
"It is shocking that among the dead are families displaced by insecurity. Two victims in critical condition were referred to the IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna for further treatment.
"In December 2024, at least 65 people died during rice sharing stampedes in Abuja, Anambra and Oyo State.
"These are chilling reminders that the current economic crisis has exacerbated the level of food insecurity amongst the majority of the population living in poverty. Countless families are increasingly unable to afford the costs of food, healthcare and education," Amnesty said.
The organisation urged authorities to seriously address the escalating economic hardship that is pushing more people into poverty daily, depriving them of a dignified living condition.
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