Apprehension as another Christmas gifts stampede kills 20 in Nigeria’s South East state

By KEMI KASUMU and OUR REPORTERS

Many Nigerians are apparently gripped in apprehension as more reports of poverty-stricken occurrences of food distribution stampedes trickle in from across the supposed Africa’s largest economy on Saturday December 21, 2024.

Many Nigerians are apparently gripped in apprehension as more reports of poverty-stricken occurrences of food distribution stampedes trickle in from across the supposed Africa’s largest economy on Saturday December 21, 2024.

The DEFENDER reports that only on Wednesday December 18, no fewer than 35 children were feared killed at a funfair organised by former Queen of the Ooni of Ife, Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, when a crowd surge erupted as a mixture of over 7,000 adult and children rushed for N5,000 each intended to reach only 5,000 children ahead Christmas.

At a local church in Maitama, Abuja on Saturday December 21, another incident occurred for similar reason of Christmas gifts distribution leaving 10 persons dead.

The latest being the stampede incident that has greeted the Christmas ‘rice distribution’, which has led to sad deaths of some residents of Okija in Anambra State, South East Nigeria.

Videos circulating on the Internet showed many of the victims of the stampede mostly women lying lifeless on the ground.

It was also learnt that some of those injured during the stampede were taken to hospital.

While confirming the incident, Charles Aburime, the Chief Press Secretary to the Anambra State Governor, said the state government was monitoring the situation.

Signs of Nigeria’s systemic failures – Obi

Reacting to the developments across three regions of the country, former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has expressed sadness over the tragic loss of lives in the reported stampedes during collection of food items in Oyo, Anambra and Abuja.

Speaking through a series of tweets on his X, Obi described the stampedes as systemic failures plaguing Nigeria.

He expressed concerns that despite abundant resources and fertile land in Nigeria, people were dying of hunger in the country.

He said, “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.

“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 organizers 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.”

Obi, however, commiserated with families of the victims.

“One can only imagine the pain their families are enduring at this moment. My heart goes out to them. 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,” he added.

Tinubu cancels Lagos events

In the meantime, President Bola Tinubu has cancelled all his official events in Lagos for Saturday, including his attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, in honour of the stampede victims in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State.

A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) noted that the two tragedies claimed many lives and left many others injured.

President Tinubu was scheduled to watch the boat parade and other activities of the Boat Regatta from the waterfront of his Queen’s Drive residence in Ikoyi.

The statement informed that 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,” the statement quoted President Tinubu as saying.

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.