Tragedy Strikes Lately as Over 75 Nigerians Lose Lives in Stampede During Food Distribution.

Over the past four days, no fewer than 75 Nigerians seeking alms tragically lost their lives in a series of deadly stampedes, sparking widespread outrage across the nation....CONTINUE READING>>>

These incidents, primarily driven by economic hardship, occurred during food and aid distribution events. In the span of just four days, three stampedes resulted in the deaths of vulnerable citizens as they gathered for food, rice, and other charitable items provided by individuals, organizations, and religious bodies.

One of the most tragic events occurred on December 18 in Ibadan, where around 40 children died during a funfair organized by Prophetess Naomi Shikemi, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife. The stampede led to the death of 35 children, with five more succumbing to injuries by December 20. Naomi and others involved were arrested as investigations commenced.

On December 20, a stampede in Okija, Anambra, during a rice-sharing event by the Obijackson Foundation resulted in at least 20 deaths. Many others remain critically injured.

In Abuja, another deadly stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church claimed the lives of at least 15 alms seekers on December 21, as more than 2,000 people showed up for a food distribution intended for just 1,000, overwhelming the organizers and leading to chaos.

These devastating events have prompted widespread criticism of the government, with many blaming the administration of President Bola Tinubu for exacerbating the economic hardship that led to such desperation. Activists like Omoyele Sowore and Aisha Yesufu have called for a deeper reflection on the current leadership, while former education minister Obiageli Ezekwesili highlighted the scale of economic distress reflected in these tragedies.

Some figures, including Peter Obi, lamented the dire state of the nation’s food security, while others like APC founding member Osita Okechukwu emphasized the need for empathy and a shift in economic policies. The FCT Police Command also warned that all charitable events must notify authorities in advance to prevent further tragedies.