Tears, mourning as Governor Tambuwal loses aide during stampede at Atiku’s rally in Sokoto

Hajiya Aishat Maina, the special adviser on Female Education to Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state is dead.

According to Daily Trust, Maina died in a stampede at the presidential rally of the Peoples Democratic Party's standard-bearer, Atiku Abubakar on Tuesday, January 31.

The report suggests the special adviser was trapped in the stampede at the exit gate of Giginya Stadium in Sokoto, the venue of the rally.

A representative from the Ministry of Information who spoke about the incident said a motorcyclist fell from his bike at the gate causing commotion around the arena, The Punch reports.

The staff who spoke under anonymity said: “A motorcyclist fell down from his bike at the exit way of the stadium and that caused a serious stampede, with people falling upon one another. "She was one of the victims."

Confirming the incident, the chairman of the Forum of Special Advisers, Ibrahim Gusau, said Maina was rescued and rushed to the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto for treatment, reports Legit.ng.

Gausau, however, explained that Maina passed on a few minutes after she was admitted to the hospital.

Describing the late Maina as an energetic individual, Gausau said they were together throughout the previous night putting finishing touches to some of the items for the event.

He said: “Even during the rally, we were together, not knowing that would be our last meeting."

Gusau prayed to God to forgive, Maina's shortcomings and grant her Jannat ul Firdaus. She is survived by three children and her aged parents.

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