A recent report has revealed that 213 Nigerians have lost their lives in stampedes over the past 11 years.
The report highlights the tragic consequences of overcrowded events and the urgent need for better crowd management and safety measures.
The most recent incidents occurred in December 2024, where over 70 people died in stampedes while scrambling for food and palliatives in different parts of the country.
The first incident took place at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, resulting in 40 deaths. Another stampede in Okija, Anambra, claimed 20 lives, and a third incident at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Abuja led to 15 fatalities.
Before the Ibadan, Anambra and Abuja incidents, at least seven people died in a stampede during the distribution of seized bags of rice by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) in February 2024, in Yaba, Lagos. The rice, said to be seized from smugglers, was distributed to ease the economic hardship, with a 25kg bag sold to interested Nigerians for ₦10, 000.
In March this year, seven people were reported dead and several others injured in a stampede during the annual zakat exercise at Shafa Holdings Company Plc on Jos Road in Bauchi.
Nine persons reportedly died and 30 others injured in a stampede in April 2024 during the distribution of palliatives at the residence of Senator Aliyu Wamakko in the Gawon Nama area of Sokoto State.
On March 22, 2024, two female students of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, died in a stampede that occurred at the university’s convocation square.
On March 15, 2014, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) nationwide recruitment exercise led to stampedes after job seekers stormed test centres in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Minna and Benin City, killing at least 16 persons of them.
On November 2, 2013, no fewer than 25 people died and 200 others were injured during a stampede that occurred at Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry in Uke, Idemili South LGA of Anambra state.
On October 16, 2013, a stampeded during the annual Eid-el-Fitr food distribution exercise in Ilorin, Kwara State, by former Senate President Bukola Saraki led to the death of 20 people and several others injured.
In Lagos on August 18, 2022, two people died and many others were injured in a stampede during a crusade at the Comfort Life Mission International Church located in the Ikotun.
On May 28, 2022, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, at least 31 persons were confirmed dead in a stampede at the venue during a food distribution programme tagged “Shop for Free”, organised by the King’s Assembly.
In February 2020, 23 people were reported killed in a stampede that occurred when officials of the Borno State Government distributed food items to Nigerian refugees living in Niger Republic.
These tragedies underscore the severe impact of Nigeria’s economic challenges, with many citizens struggling to access basic necessities. The report calls for immediate action to prevent further loss of life and ensure the safety of all Nigerians during public events.
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