At least three students of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, were feared dead on Friday in a stampede when the students looted rice given for distribution by the government.

The incident occurred at the convocation square, where the bags of rice were kept awaiting Governor Abdullahi Sule’s arrival to commence distribution.

According to a witness, Moses Ajah, the surging crowd of students waiting to enter the square overpowered the security personnel and broke in through the gate, causing a stampede.

“Some of the students were struggling with the police over the rice, and as more students got information, the situation degenerated. As we speak, some students are injured and receiving treatment at the school clinic,” he said.

Mr Ajah said some students picked up bags of rice and ran to their hostels and other places of residence even as the governor was yet to arrive to inaugurate the distribution.

Police officers were at the scene retrieving the palliatives from students.

When contacted, Abraham Ekpo, the university’s spokesman, said he was aware of the incident but had not received details about it.

Mr Sule recently embarked on a palliative initiative for students of tertiary institutions.

He visited Federal University, Lafia, and the College of Education, Akwanga, among others, where he distributed 7.5 kg bags of rice and N5,000 to each student.

(NAN)