Stampede Tragedies in Nigeria: 70 Dead Across Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra

  *President Tinubu Cancels Lagos Events to Honour Victims *CISLAC Warns of Escalating Hunger Crisis in Nigeria *FCT Police Urge Event Organ...

 

*President Tinubu Cancels Lagos Events to Honour Victims

*CISLAC Warns of Escalating Hunger Crisis in Nigeria

*FCT Police Urge Event Organisers to Notify Authorities

Nigeria is reeling from a series of tragic stampedes that claimed over 70 lives across three states. The incidents, which occurred during events meant to bring relief and joy, highlight lapses in crowd control and the growing desperation among citizens.

Ibadan: Funfair Turns Fatal

In Ibadan, Oyo State, 35 children died, and six others were critically injured during a stampede at a children’s funfair on December 18, 2024. The event, held at Islamic High School, Basorun, was organized by the WINGS Foundation, led by Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, a former queen of the Ooni of Ife. Authorities revealed the venue, which was prepared for 5,000 attendees, was overwhelmed by over 7,500 people.

The Oyo State Police arrested eight individuals, including Silekunola and the school’s principal, Fasasi Abdulahi, for negligence. According to Police Public Relations Officer Adewale Osifeso, “The victims, all minors, were crushed in the chaos.”

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic. “The gate was locked, and everyone rushed in at once,” said a survivor, recounting the panic and struggle to rescue her daughter. Agidigbo FM, a media partner for the event, clarified it was not responsible for its organization. The station’s owner, Oriyomi Hamzat, reportedly suffered shock and was hospitalized after the tragedy.

Abuja: Food Distribution Ends in Disaster

In Abuja, a stampede at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama claimed ten lives, including four children, during a food distribution event. Over 1,000 people had gathered for the program aimed at supporting the vulnerable. Police Public Relations Officer Josephine Adeh confirmed that eight others were injured, with four still receiving medical care.

Adeh emphasized the need for event organizers to notify the police in advance for proper security measures. “Failure to comply will result in accountability for negligence,” she warned. The Federal Capital Territory Police have since deployed additional patrols to maintain order.

Anambra: Rice Distribution Turns Deadly

In Okija, Anambra State, 22 people lost their lives in a stampede during a rice distribution event organized by the Obijackson Foundation. The tragedy occurred at Amaranta Stadium, Ihiala Local Government Area, as an uncontrolled crowd surged forward. Many more sustained injuries and are receiving treatment.

Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga of the Anambra State Police expressed condolences to the victims’ families, stressing the importance of better crowd management to prevent similar tragedies.

President Tinubu Cancels Lagos Events to Honour Victims

President Bola Tinubu expressed profound sorrow over the incidents, urging stricter enforcement of safety regulations at public gatherings. Canceling his attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, Tinubu called for immediate action to prevent operational lapses by event organizers. “Our children’s safety must remain paramount,” he said.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, also extended their condolences. Both emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to ensure children’s safety at public events.

CISLAC Highlights Hunger Crisis

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) attributed the tragedies to Nigeria’s worsening hunger crisis. Executive Director Auwal Musa Rafsanjani criticized poor governance and inadequate responses to rising poverty. “These incidents underscore the severe hardship Nigerians face,” he said.

Rafsanjani urged the government to prioritize food security, create jobs, and address systemic issues fueling desperation. He also called for better planning and coordination during aid distribution to prevent further loss of life.

The recent stampedes have sparked a nationwide outcry for improved safety measures and compassionate governance. As investigations continue, authorities have pledged to implement stricter crowd control protocols and address the root causes of these tragedies, including food insecurity and poverty.