Economic Hardship— No fewer than 75 Nigerians seeking alms have tragically lost their lives in stampedes over the last four days, sparking outrage nationwide.
PulseNets learned that the economic challenges facing citizens have made charity events across the country magnets for massive crowds, often resulting in deadly outcomes. Within this short span, three separate incidents during almsgiving programs led to the deaths of vulnerable citizens, including children, in Ibadan, Anambra, and Abuja.
40 Children Die at Ibadan Funfair
A horrific tragedy unfolded on Wednesday, December 18, at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, where about 40 children attending a funfair organized by Prophetess Naomi Shikemi, the ex-Queen of the Ooni of Ife, were crushed to death during the distribution of free food.
The Oyo State Police Command told PulseNets that 35 bodies were recovered at the scene, while six critically injured victims were hospitalized. Unfortunately, the death toll rose to 40 by Friday, December 20, as more victims succumbed to their injuries.
Prophetess Naomi and seven other event sponsors were arrested on Friday as authorities launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
Stampede in Anambra Leaves Over 20 Dead
In Okija, Anambra State, a rice distribution event by the Obijackson Foundation turned deadly on Saturday, claiming the lives of at least 20 people.
Eyewitnesses told PulseNets that the event, meant to support less-privileged residents during the festive season, drew an unprecedented crowd, leading to chaos. Many victims remain in critical condition as of press time.
15 Alms Seekers Killed in Abuja Church Stampede
The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, witnessed its own tragedy when a stampede occurred at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, during a food-sharing program on Saturday.
SP Josephine Adeh, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, told PulseNets that 10 bodies, including four children and six adults, were recovered. However, eyewitnesses claimed the death toll exceeded 15.
An attendee, Jennifer, told PulseNets, “Everything was fine when the program started. But as more people arrived and called their families to join, the organizers lost control of the crowd, and everyone scrambled for food.”
Nationwide Outrage Over Tragedies
The series of incidents has fueled public anger toward President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with many Nigerians blaming the government’s economic policies for the widespread hardship.
“Nigeria is in trouble,” Omoyele Sowore, human rights activist and #RevolutionNow convener, told PulseNets. He accused the current administration of causing economic destruction, urging citizens to “be ready for revolution if they want their country back.”
Aisha Yesufu, socio-political activist, also condemned the government, stating on X, “Tinubu has turned the whole of Nigeria into a massive grave.”
Former Minister of Education Obiageli Ezekwesili described the stampedes as a reflection of Nigeria’s dire economic distress. “Nothing in recent times has signaled the gravity and scale of economic distress in our land than these similar tragedies in a season of celebration,” she wrote on X.
Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi expressed sadness, lamenting that Nigerians are dying of hunger in a nation blessed with resources. “How do we explain that in a nation blessed with abundant resources, our people are dying of hunger in such numbers? My heart bleeds,” he said.
Also Read: Bottled up emotions: Nigerian men battle depression amid economic hardship
Call for Action
Osita Okechukwu, an APC founding member, told PulseNets the tragedies demand empathy, not blame games. He advocated for a shift in economic policies to prioritize the welfare of citizens, stating, “We must rejig our economic policy and make the people’s interests central to choices being made.”
Meanwhile, the FCT Police Command has warned that all public charitable activities must be reported in advance to ensure adequate security measures. SP Josephine Adeh told PulseNets that “failure to comply with the directive will result in organizers being held liable for any incidents or loss of life due to negligence.”
