In December, at least 17 people lost their lives, and many others sustained injuries following a stampede during a rice distribution event by the Obijackson Foundation in Okija, Anambra State. The tragedy occurred as a large and uncontrollable crowd gathered to receive palliatives, including rice, vegetable oil, and cash. Most of the victims were women and children who struggled to gain entrance at the venue’s gate.
Similarly, another stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, claimed 10 lives, including children, while several others were injured. The incident, which happened on a Saturday morning, resulted from thousands of residents scrambling to collect palliatives distributed by the church. The event, aimed at providing relief to struggling residents, attracted over 3,000 people, mostly from Mpape, Gishiri Village, and surrounding areas.
In a related development, more than 30 children reportedly died, and several others were injured in a stampede during a carnival in Oyo State. According to the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, the tragic event occurred at a private children’s funfair at Basorun Islamic High School in Ibadan. He confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the state government immediately mobilized a rapid response team.
These multiple incidents highlight the growing concern over safety measures at large public gatherings, particularly those involving the distribution of relief materials. Ripples Metrics has monitored that the recurring stampedes in Nigeria have become a growing concern, claiming the lives of citizens and children at events.
Between 2010 and 2024, findings show that no less than 282 lives have been lost in public gatherings as a result of stampede. This data extends to about 14 states with states like Rivers, Lagos, and Kwara having more records according to data gathered from multiple media reports.
The trend in the numbers
The earliest recorded cases in 2010 saw Kwara State lose 11 lives, while Lagos recorded 15 deaths. The following year, the death toll in Kwara rose to 25, while Rivers State reported 11 casualties. In 2013, Anambra suffered one of the deadliest incidents, with 28 deaths, followed closely by Kwara with 20 fatalities. By 2014, stampedes in Rivers, Edo, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) collectively claimed 16 lives.
The trend continued in subsequent years. In 2017, the South East region recorded 10 deaths, while Katsina reported five casualties. By 2019, Rivers State once again witnessed a fatal stampede, resulting in 15 deaths. The most devastating incident in recent years occurred in 2022, when Rivers recorded 31 deaths, while Lagos reported two fatalities. The crisis persisted in 2024, with Lagos losing seven lives, Nasarawa three, Bauchi seven, Oyo 35, Sokoto nine, FCT 10, and Anambra 22.
By: James Odunayo
