Hardship: over 75 percent of poor Nigerians died in stampede.

By Divine Sam

The recent tragic stampedes across Nigeria, which have led to the deaths of over 75 people in just a few days, have sparked widespread outrage and concern. The incidents occurred during charity events where food and other items were being distributed to vulnerable populations. The stampedes happened in different locations: Ibadan, Anambra, and Abuja. These events highlighted the severe economic hardship faced by many Nigerians, which has led to increased desperation and overcrowded conditions at such charity events.

In Ibadan, a funfair organized by Prophetess Naomi Shikemi turned deadly, claiming the lives of at least 40 children. Meanwhile, in Anambra’s Okija community, over 20 people died in a stampede during a rice distribution. Another stampede in Abuja at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church claimed 15 lives, with more casualties reported. These tragic events have drawn strong criticism of the government’s handling of the country’s economic crisis, with activists and politicians blaming President Bola Tinubu’s administration for worsening poverty and hunger.

Prominent figures such as Omoyele Sowore, Aisha Yesufu, Obiageli Ezekwesili, and Peter Obi have expressed their sorrow, lamenting the scale of the suffering and the failures of leadership. They pointed to the high levels of poverty, food insecurity, and economic distress as key factors contributing to the stampedes.

The FCT Police have issued a warning that all charitable activities in the capital must inform them in advance to ensure proper security measures are in place, to prevent further tragedies.

The incidents have sparked calls for empathy, not blame, and for a reevaluation of Nigeria’s economic policies to better serve the needs of its citizens.