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No fewer than 35 children tragically lost their lives, with many others severely injured, following a stampede at a children’s funfair organized by the foundation of the Ooni of Ife’s ex-wife in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The heartbreaking incident has drawn widespread condemnation, including a firm promise from Governor Seyi Makinde to hold those responsible accountable.
In a related development, stampedes during the distribution of palliatives in the Federal Capital Territory and Anambra State on Saturday claimed dozens of lives. Over 10 people were confirmed dead in Abuja, while at least 22 fatalities were recorded in Anambra, with numerous others injured.
These incidents highlight the dire economic and social challenges Nigerians face. The removal of the petrol subsidy and other stringent economic policies introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration have significantly exacerbated hardship across the country. Many Nigerians are struggling to cope with the skyrocketing cost of living and widespread hunger.
Despite growing criticism over the adverse impact of his policies, President Tinubu has maintained that the measures are essential to revive the nation’s economy.
Below is a list of stampedes in Nigeria between 2014 and 2024 as compiled by Peoples Gazette:
1. Immigration recruitment stampede in 2014. During a recruitment exercise by the Nigeria Immigration Service at various centres across Nigeria (Lagos, Kano, Rivers, Niger, Edo and Abuja), no fewer than 18 job seekers died, with many others injured, as thousands of applicants tried to enter the venues.
2. Stampede during almsgiving in Katsina in 2017. Five persons were confirmed dead during a stampede to collect N500 alms at the residence of a businessman, Kamal Ma’a Gafi, in Katsina.
2. Stampede at customs office in Lagos in 2024. The stampede occurred on February 23, 2024, during the struggle by a crowd at the distribution of seized bags of rice by the Nigeria Customs Service at its office in Yaba.
3. Port Harcourt church stampede in 2022. On 28 May 2022, 31 people were killed and seven others injured in a stampede in Port Harcourt at a church event where free food was to be given out.
4. Stampede in Nasarawa university in 2024. At least three students of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, died in a stampede when the students looted rice given for distribution by the government.
5. Kwara sallah stampede in 2023. At least no fewer than 20 people died, while several others were injured during a sallah stampede in Ilorin, the Kwara capital. The incident occurred during rice distribution by former Governor Bukola Saraki.
6. Lagos church stampede in 2022. Two persons died after a stampede by worshippers at the Comfort Life Mission International Church, Lagos. The incident happened during a congregational service at the church.
7. Bauchi almsgiving stampede in 2024. On March 24, 2024, seven people were trampled to death in an almsgiving stampede at Shafa Holdings Company Plc on Jos Road in Bauchi.
