At least three people have been confirmed dead, while several others were injured following a stampede at the Niger State Government House in Minna.

The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday night when a crowd gathered at the Government House. The injured victims are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital, Minna.

According to reports, the gathering was linked to efforts by government officials to engage youths who were reportedly planning a protest over the recent deaths of 37 artisanal miners in the state.

Among those confirmed dead were a woman identified as Dije and her daughter, Hurairat, both internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Allawa community in Shiroro Local Government Area.

Sources said Dije, who had been living with her husband in Gurmana, was visiting her daughter when they heard reports that money would be distributed at the Government House. The pair subsequently joined the crowd.

An IDP, Mallam Musa Allawa, told journalists that the mother and daughter would be buried today

Some government appointees had earlier posted on social media that youths gathered at the Government House to show solidarity with Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.

A government source, however, said more people, including women, later trooped to the venue after hearing reports that the governor would distribute N10,000 to those present.

When contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, said the state government would issue an official statement on the incident.

The spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, also said he would verify the development and provide further details, report said

Nigerian public servants under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) have reaffirmed plans to embark on a three-day warning strike from October 2 if the Federal Government fails to address their demands over the rising cost of petrol, wage award and negotiations for a new national minimum wage.

The council, comprising eight public sector unions, gave the Federal Government until September 30 to reduce the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to ₦500 per litre, approve a wage award and begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage of not less than ₦500,000 from 2027.

The JNPSNC said it had mobilised public servants nationwide for the warning strike if the Federal Government failed to address the issues raised in its letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The council had, on September 21, written to Tinubu demanding a reduction in petrol prices, an immediate wage award and the commencement of negotiations for a new national minimum wage, among other measures.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the National Secretary of the JNPSNC and General Secretary of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, Gbenga Olowoyo, the council said its September 30 deadline remained sacrosanct.

Olowoyo said the concerns of Nigerian workers could no longer be ignored, warning that failure to address the issues would lead to the commencement of the three-day warning strike from Friday, October 2.

He said, “The three critical issues requiring urgent attention are as follows: reduction of fuel price to ₦500 per litre. The Federal Government should take urgent steps to bring down the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to ₦500 per litre.

“This can be achieved through the provision of an intervention fund to address landing costs and support oil and gas operators.

“It is equally important for the Federal Government to ensure the sale of crude oil to the Dangote Refinery and operators of modular refineries at appropriate terms to facilitate increased domestic refining and help bring down the price of petroleum products.

“The current price of PMS, ranging from ₦1,450 to ₦2,000 and, in some locations outside major communities and cities, as high as ₦2,500 per litre, is unacceptable to Nigerian workers.”

“The council said the high cost of petrol had placed severe pressure on workers, their dependants and the wider population.

“The council maintains that the economic hardship occasioned by the high cost of fuel is placing the survival of Nigerian workers, their dependants and the general populace under severe pressure, making it increasingly difficult for Nigerians to live normal and dignified lives.

On the demand for a wage award, the council said, “The Federal Government should urgently approve a wage award for Nigerian workers to cushion the effects of the prevailing harsh economic conditions being experienced by workers, their dependants, and vulnerable Nigerians.”

It added that such intervention would support public servants to remain productive despite the economic pressures.

“The council believes that urgent action on this demand will further enable public servants to consolidate their loyalty, commitment and productivity within the public service ecosystem,” it said.

The workers also called on the Federal Government to urgently constitute a tripartite committee to begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage ahead of 2027.

“The Federal Government should urgently establish a tripartite committee to commence and facilitate negotiations for the new national minimum wage expected to become due in 2027,” the council said.

“The Nigerian workers’ demand for the immediate constitution of the committee is informed by the need to avoid any administrative or procedural delay that could affect the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage once it is eventually negotiated and passed into law by the National Assembly.”

The council said the Federal Government’s response before September 30 would determine whether the planned industrial action would go ahead.

“Consequently, the council states that failure by the Federal Government to take the necessary steps to address these issues on or before 30th September 2026 will leave Nigerian workers with no option but to commence a three-day warning strike, with effect from Friday, 2nd October 2026, to press home their demands,” it said.

The council further urged the President to use his Independence Day address to respond to the issues raised by the workers.

“It is imperative to state clearly that the Independence Day address of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should adequately address these critical issues,” the council said.

It warned that failure to address the demands would deepen dissatisfaction among workers and other Nigerians affected by the economic situation.

“Failure to address the concerns raised, according to the Council, will attract the displeasure of Nigerian workers and their dependants, as well as other vulnerable Nigerians who continue to bear the brunt of the prevailing economic hardship,” it said.

The JNPSNC comprises the Nigerian Civil Service Union; Medical and Health Workers Union; Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria; National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives; Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Employees; Nigeria Union of Public Service, Reportorial, Secretarial, Data Processors and Allied Workers; National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Products Workers; and National Union of Agriculture and Allied Employees.

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, as a public holiday across the federation to commemorate the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the official declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, extending warm congratulations to Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora on reaching another milestone in the country’s national history.

The announcement was contained in a statement released on Wednesday and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.

In his goodwill message, Dr. Tunji-Ojo praised the warmth, welcoming spirit, and exceptional resilience of the Nigerian populace. He highlighted the country’s vast human capital and rich natural resources as enduring attributes that position Nigeria as a leading voice on the African continent.

The Minister stressed that peace and political stability remain indispensable prerequisites for achieving sustainable socioeconomic growth and national development. He called on citizens across all geo-political zones to reflect on the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers and emulate their selfless patriotism to build a prospering nation for future generations.

“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we should always remember that there is hope for our country. Our diversity is our strength, and our collective determination remains the foundation upon which a stronger and more prosperous nation will be built,” Tunji-Ojo stated.