Two charity events intended to put smiles on the faces of disadvantaged Nigerians in the spirit of Christmas, unexpectedly turned tragic yesterday in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State, leaving at least 37 people dead.
Twenty seven people were feared killed in the Okija incident and 10 confirmed dead in Abuja.
Scores of others were injured.
The dead and the injured were trampled upon in the rush for the rice being shared as palliatives at the events. Thirty five other citizens,many of them children, had been killed in similar circumstances in Ibadan last Wednesday.
President Bola Tinubu who arrived Lagos on Wednesday for the Christmas holidays called off his weekend engagements to mourn the dead.
Police Inspector General, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the probe of the two tragic events and warned against unauthorized distribution of palliatives and funfairs across the country.
The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, called for proper crowd management during distribution of charity to prevent stampedes and avoidable loss of lives.
Hundreds of people, many of whom were women and children, were said to have besieged the Amaranta Stadium ,venue of the palliative sharing in Okija as early as 5am anxiously waiting for the distribution to commence.
But as officials of the foundation began the sharing, the crowd became uncontrollable.
In the ensuing pushing and shoving, some of the vulnerable in the crowd lost their balance,fell down and were trampled upon by the others.
The police were alerted and their personnel were immediately sent there to restore order and rescue lives.
The injured were taken to the hospital and the dead to the mortuary.
The state Police command, through the Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement, confirmed three deaths.
Some residents put the casualty figure between 17 and 47.
A fear stricken man in his 80s who was reached by phone said he would not talk until three members of his family, who left the house as early as 6am for the centre, returned home.
“I’ve received the report of what happened at the venue of the event and I still believe my people are not involved. I will talk when I see them,” he said in Igbo.
Another resident, Georgina, was still in shock when she was contacted by phone by our reporter yesterday.
She said her friend who went to the centre had not picked her calls.
She said: “I pray nothing happens to her. I’ve just been informed that they have counted 47 dead bodies at the mortuary. This is painful.”
The President General of Okija Progressive Union, OPU, Dr Paul Isioma Ohaguim, said the death toll could not be immediately ascertained when The Nation established contact with him.
He said: “May I seize the liberty of this ephemeral moment to commiserate first, with the great Obijackson Foundation for the tragedy that struck today.
“Secondly, I commiserate with the various towns, villages, Obi-areas and families that lost their dear ones who went to benefit from the Foundation’s large heart.
“The Foundation has decent feelings and gestures for the downtrodden. But unfortunately in the breast of goodness demons lurk around to destroy.
“No word can encompass a tragedy too horrific to comprehend the despair too deep to describe and the burden too enormous to carry.
“May it please God to receive their souls in the abode and give the various families who lost their loved ones the heart to bear the loss. Okija is in pains.”
The police said their men were investigating the incident.
Ikenga said: “Unfortunately, before the event could start, a large number of uncontrolled persons took over the event area which resulted in a stampede.”
Organizers: ‘It breaks our hearts’
In its first reaction to the tragedy, Obijackson Foundation expressed “deep sorrow” over the incident and regretted that “the event, a cherished tradition aimed at supporting the less-privileged during the Yuletide season, turned somber when an unfortunate stampede claimed lives and left several families grieving.”
It said: “This tragedy breaks our hearts.
“The annual rice sharing event is a labour of love, aimed at bringing joy and relief to those in need.
“That it resulted in such sorrow is devastating beyond words.
“We humbly seek the understanding of our community as we reflect on this painful moment.
“This setback will not deter us from our mission to serve the vulnerable and uplift those in need. We will learn from this experience and strive to do better.
“As the community mourns, we reiterate our commitment to supporting those affected and continuing its charitable endeavors in more controlled and secure ways.
“The tragedy has cast a shadow over what is usually a joyous season in Okija, but the Obijackson Foundation remains steadfast in its resolve to serve the less privileged.
“The incident, though heartbreaking, further strengthens the profound love and dedication the Obijackson Foundation has for the people of Okija. Through this challenging moment, we reaffirm our resolve to serve the people, while ensuring the Foundation’s legacy of kindness and compassion does not waver.”
It extended its condolences to Governor Charles Soludo, the bereaved families, and the entire Okija community.
How 10 died in Abuja
The Abuja palliative sharing was the brainchild of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama.
It was to provide relief to struggling residents.
Over 3,000 people, mostly from Mpape, Gishiri Village, and other nearby settlements were said to have descended on the church premises, some as early as 4am, for their share of the palliatives.
But the situation got out of hand at about 7am when the people resorted to pushing and shoving one another.
The weak in the crowd easily went to the ground and were crushed to death.
At least seven of the victims were said to be children, according to an eyewitness.
Four of the injured were treated and discharged, while the remaining victims were still receiving medical care at press time.
In response to the chaos, a combined team of police, military, and DSS officers was deployed to restore order and disperse the crowd.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Police Command while confirming the incident sympathized with the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh said: “To prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future, the Command hereby directs that all organizations, religious bodies, groups, or individuals planning any public event, charitable activity, or large gathering in the FCT must notify the Police Command in advance.
“This will allow the deployment of adequate security measures to ensure public safety and prevent avoidable tragedies.
“Failure to comply with this directive will result in the organizers being held liable for any incident or loss of life resulting from their negligence.
“The FCT Police Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property in the Territory. Members of the public are encouraged to collaborate with the Police by adhering to these guidelines and promptly reporting emergencies through the FCT Control Room via 0803 200 3913 or
Sequel to the development, Police IG Egbetokun , ordered the probe of the incidents.
He said negligence on the part of those distributing items left much to be desired.
Spokesman of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Muyiwa Adejobi told reporters that the IGP had directed the police commissioners in the affected states to probe the incidents.
Egbetokun warned against unauthorized distribution of palliatives and funfairs across the country.
He said the palliative distribution events appeared not well organized hence the repeated tragedies.
He described the trend as worrisome and called for urgent measures to save the lives of citizens, especially the vulnerable youths and the elderly.
Adejobi said: “In light of these developments, the IGP has called on government officials, community leaders, and non-governmental organizations to work collaboratively towards establishing a comprehensive and organized framework for distributing palliatives.
“The IGP has hereby warns groups and organizers of similar events to ensure the involvement of security agencies as negligence on their part is criminal and would not be overlooked, as provided for in Sec. 196 of the Penal Code and Sec. 344 of the Criminal Code, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In addition, the IGP has encouraged the general public who would want to benefit from such distributions to tread with caution, prioritizing their safety, to avoid unforeseen calamities.
“The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at creating a safer and more structured environment for aid distribution in our communities. Collaborating with relevant stakeholders, the Force aims to prevent future tragedies and ensure such processes are seamless.
“The IGP has ordered the Commissioners of the affected states to carry out thorough investigations into these ugly incidents for further legal actions. The Inspector-General of Police therefore sympathizes with the bereaved families and wishes those injured quick recovery.”
NEMA DG calls for proper crowd management
In her own reaction to the development, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar,called for proper crowd management during distribution of palliatives to prevent stampedes and avoidable loss of lives.
Such tragic outcomes,according to her, undermine the goodwill behind charity events, turning acts of kindness into sources of grief due to poor planning and crowd control.
While sympathizing with the families of the deceased and those injured, she urged organizers of similar events to engage professionals and seek the support of security agencies to manage crowds effectively.
She emphasized the importance of ensuring safety during such activities to prevent recurring tragedies.
The Director General NEMA revealed that all Zonal Territorial and Operations offices of the agency have been activated to respond to emergencies and provide support to first responders in the area of traffic management due to the usual increase of traffic during the Yuletide and end of the year festivities.
Tinubu cancels scheduled events in Lagos for stampede victims
President Tinubu who was scheduled to attend the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta yesterday cancelled all his official events in Lagos for the day.
He was to watch the boat parade and other activities of the Boat Regatta from the waterfront of his Queen’s Drive residence in Ikoyi.
Dignitaries, including top officials of the Lagos State government and white cap chiefs from the state, were already seated when the President cancelled his appearance following briefings on the tragedies.
Commiserating with the victims of the unfortunate incidents in Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory, President Tinubu urged states and relevant authorities to enforce strict crowd control measures immediately.
He noted that it was very disturbing that the events at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and a community Centre in Okija, Anambra State, bore a distressing resemblance to the recent incident in Ibadan, Oyo State.
He said local and state authorities should no longer tolerate operational lapses by organisations and corporate bodies involved in charitable and humanitarian activities.
While praying for the peaceful repose of innocent Nigerians who died in the stampede, President Tinubu wished a quick recovery to the injured.
He reiterated that these mishaps are avoidable if event planners adhere to necessary safeguards and protocols to ensure pre- and post-event safety.
”In a season of joy and celebration, we grieve with fellow citizens mourning the painful losses of their loved ones. Our prayers of divine comfort and healing are with them,” President Tinubu said.
The President wished the Lagos State government, organisers of the Boat Regatta, themed ”Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life,” a successful and hitch-free festival.
Wike orders free treatment for Abuja victims
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike commiserated with victims of the Abuja stampede and directed government hospitals to treat those that were injured free of charge.
The Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said Wike also directed that police permission should henceforth be obtained by individuals or organisations planning public distribution of palliatives, either food items or cash.
He said it was painful that 10 lives were lost in the stampede.
While praying for the repose of the souls of the lives that were lost and fortitude for their families to bear the irreparable loss, Wike assured that the government will ensure that those injured were given adequate medical attention.
The FCT Minister commended the Police and other security agencies for their prompt intervention, adding that the promptness in which security agencies responded to the incident was commendable.
Sanwo-Olu sad over stampede deaths
Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, sympathised with Nigerians, particularly residents of Anambra State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on yesterday’s incidents.
He said the two tragedies coming a few days after 35 people died in Ibadan in similar circumstances, were worrisome and called for concern.
Sanwo-Olu also extended his condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a quick recovery.
He particularly sympathised with President Tinubu, Anambra State governor, Charles Soludo, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike.
He advised individuals and organisations to be cautious in how they carry out their charitable and humanitarian activities.
He said: “Taking care of the needy and vulnerable at this crucial time is the best thing to do, but adequate plans and safety measures should be put in place to prevent the reoccurrence of the stampedes recorded in Ibadan, Abuja and Okija.”
Stampedes underline Nigeria’s systemic failures, says Peter Obi
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in last year’s election,Mr.Peter Obi, expressed sorrow and concern over yesterday’s stampedes and said they were a sad reminder of the economic hardship in the country.
“I am deeply saddened and distressed by the tragic loss of lives in desperate searches for food. A few days ago, about 35 people, mostly children, lost their lives in a stampede at a Christmas Funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State,” Obi said on his X handle.
Continuing, he said: “This morning, reports emerged of at least 10 people losing their lives in Abuja while scrambling for palliatives, with many others injured.
“Now, I just heard that about 19 more lives were lost in another stampede in Okija, Anambra State, as people struggled to receive food items.
“While I will not cast blame, but instead appreciate the organisers of these respective events for their kind gestures in providing palliatives and support to society, especially the poor, these tragedies reflect the systemic failures that plague our society.
“The desperate quest for survival in these harsh economic times has driven our people to extremes in their search for food, often at the cost of their lives.
“How do we explain that in a nation blessed with abundant resources, our people are dying of hunger in such numbers? How is it possible that we cannot feed our citizens despite the vast, fertile lands our nation is endowed with? My heart bleeds.
“I sincerely commiserate with all the affected families and the good people of Oyo, Anambra, and the FCT over these tragic incidents. May God grant them, and all of us, the strength to bear these painful losses.”
“May God Almighty grant the departed souls eternal rest, and may the injured recover swiftly.”
I exposed Peter Obi’s lies – Reno Omokri
However,social commentator Reno Omokri, mocked Obi for deleting his (Obi’s) posts on the Ibadan incident after being accused of lying.
“After I provided indisputable evidence exposing @PeterObi as a hypocrite under whom, as Anambra Governor, 28 people died from a stampede caused by Akara on Sunday, November 3, 2013, guess what the Gbajue master did?” Omokri said on X.
“He deleted his post attacking President Tinubu over the Ibadan stampede deaths! Go to his C profile. It is no longer there. Why? Because I exposed him.
“If we do not keep exposing Peter Obi’s lies, he will use them to burn Nigeria down in his desperation to be President by 2027!”
