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Hunger! Anger as over 75 Nigerians die in Stampede while struggling for food

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No fewer than 75 Nigerians seeking alms tragically lost their lives in stampedes over the past four days, sparking widespread anger across the Nigeria.

Amid the ongoing economic difficulties facing the population, almsgiving events have attracted large crowds, often resulting in fatal stampedes.

In the past four days alone, three separate stampedes have occurred during food and item distributions organized by individuals, groups, and religious organizations.

40 Children Die in Ibadan Funfair Tragedy

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A tragic incident occurred on Wednesday, December 18, at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, where about 40 children lost their lives in a stampede at a funfair organized by Prophetess Naomi Shikemi, former wife of the Ooni of Ife. The Oyo State Police reported recovering 35 bodies at the scene, with six others severely injured and hospitalized. However, the death toll rose to 40 by December 20 as more victims succumbed to their injuries. Naomi and several event sponsors were arrested as the police began investigating the cause of the tragedy.

More Than 20 Dead in Anambra Rice Distribution Stampede

In Okija, Anambra State, a stampede at a rice distribution event organized by the Obijackson Foundation resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people on December 21. The large turnout and desperate scramble for the rice caused the tragedy. Several others remain critically injured.

The Federal Capital Territory was also affected by a stampede on Saturday, December 21, at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, where about 15 alms seekers were killed during a food distribution. According to the police, 10 bodies were recovered, including four children and six adults. However, witnesses reported more casualties. The incident occurred when the crowd exceeded expectations, and the organizers lost control of the situation.

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Public Outcry and Criticism of Tinubu’s Government

The series of tragedies have prompted widespread criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s government, with many attributing the incidents to the worsening economic conditions in the country.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore declared that these events reflect the deep crisis Nigeria is facing under the current administration. He argued that the economic hardships have exacerbated the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.

Aisha Yesufu: Tinubu is Responsible

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Aisha Yesufu, a prominent socio-political activist, expressed her dismay at the incidents, accusing President Tinubu of creating a situation where such tragedies have become commonplace. She criticized the administration for turning Nigeria into a “massive grave.”

Ezekwesili and Obi: Economic Crisis at the Heart of the Tragedies

Former Education Minister Obiageli Ezekwesili also highlighted the economic distress in Nigeria, stating that these stampedes reflect the devastating food poverty affecting many Nigerians. Similarly, former presidential candidate Peter Obi lamented the country’s inability to feed its people despite its abundant resources, attributing the tragedy to poor leadership.

Osita Okechukwu, an APC founding member, urged the nation to focus on empathy rather than blame. He emphasized the need for urgent reforms to address the country’s economic challenges and put the needs of the people at the center of policy decisions.

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Police Warning on Charitable Events in the FCT

The FCT Police Command issued a warning, stating that any organization or individual planning charitable events in the capital must notify the police in advance to ensure adequate security measures. Failure to do so could lead to liability for any resulting harm or loss of life.

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DSS intercepts arms shipment bound for bandit kingpin, nabs suspect

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Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a suspected arms courier in Kano State allegedly transporting weapons intended for delivery to a notorious bandit leader operating in Zamfara.

An operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday said the suspect was apprehended on Friday in Gezawa Local Government Area following actionable intelligence.

According to the report, the suspect was intercepted while moving a cache of arms and ammunition from Maigatari Local Government Area of Jigawa to Funtua in Katsina State for onward delivery to criminal elements.

“Items recovered from the suspect include three AK-47 rifles, four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes and warheads, as well as two empty magazines.”

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The report said preliminary investigations linked the consignment to a suspected bandit kingpin believed to be operating in parts of Zamfara.

“The suspect confessed that he was contracted to transport the weapons from Maigatari to Funtua and was promised a payment of N450,000 upon successful delivery.

“Investigations are ongoing to unravel the network behind the arms movement and identify other collaborators involved in the operation,” the report said.

The report described the arrest as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to disrupt the supply of arms and ammunition to criminal groups responsible for violent attacks, kidnappings and other security threats in the North-West.

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It added that the suspect was in DSS custody and would face further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with the law.

According to the report, security agencies have continued to intensify intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling logistics networks that sustain banditry, terrorism and other forms of organised crime across the country.

(NAN)

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Chimamanda Adichie alleges cover-up, negligence following son’s death

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Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has accused Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital of medical negligence and an subsequent attempt to cover up the circumstances surrounding her son’s death by taking her pursuit of justice for her late son, Nkanu Nnamdi, to the public.

In a four-part series shared on Instagram, Adichie detailed a devastating sequence of events. According to her, her son suffered a hypoxic brain injury caused by improper sedation administered by an anesthesiologist, Dr. Titus Ogundare, which ultimately resulted in his death.

Beyond the medical tragedy, Adichie alleges that the hospital has engaged in a pattern of dishonest practices. These include:

Issuing an inaccurate death certificate that falsely attributed the cause of death to meningitis.

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Failing to provide complete or accurate medical records to her family.

Employing heartless language in legal correspondence, including referring to her son’s death as a “dispute”.

Stalling and attempting to obstruct a coroner’s inquest, which was originally initiated by the hospital itself. Describing the immense toll this has taken on her.

She said, “I wake up every single morning with my heart racing… The ultimate and utter loneliness of grief is that only you can know the true depth of your despair. I long for, at least, peace to mourn, but Euracare Hospital has robbed me even of that”.

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The author also recounted an encounter with a senior figure in the hospital’s ownership who allegedly attempted to discourage her from pursuing legal action by suggesting her reputation could be dragged in the mud during court proceedings. Adichie said this was a manipulative and threatening message.

“An inquest is a public judicial inquiry designed to establish the circumstances surrounding a death,” she stated.

Adichie explained, that it is not a trial or a claim for damages, but simply a search for the truth. By making these details public, she hopes to demand the accountability and transparency that she feels have been denied to her family.

“I have decided to make this letter public because to keep silent about Euracare’s evil is to enable it”. She stated.

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Tinubu condemns death of retired general Rabe in kidnappers’ custody

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President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar, who was reportedly abducted by armed criminals in Katsina State and later died while still in their custody.

According to a State House statement issued on Saturday, the president said he received the news of the former military officer’s death with “shock and sadness,” describing the incident as a tragic reminder of the security challenges facing parts of the country.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed shock over the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar while in the custody of terrorists in Katsina State,” the statement read.

General Abubakar, who had retired from the Nigerian Armed Forces after a distinguished career, was said to have been travelling to his hometown when he was intercepted and abducted by armed men.

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“General Abubakar, after a distinguished career in the military, retired a few years ago. He was on his way to his hometown when the hoodlums captured him,” the statement stated.

The presidency also revealed that the late officer’s wife was taken alongside him and is still being held by the abductors, a detail that has further intensified public concern over the incident.

The president extended condolences to the bereaved family, the people of Katsina State, and the military establishment, describing the loss as painful and unacceptable.

He also reiterated the government’s uncompromising stance on terrorism and kidnapping, warning that the state would not be blackmailed into concessions.

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While condemning the attack, Tinubu declared: “Bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror should now surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. And no mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.”

He further stressed national unity and resilience in the face of insecurity, insisting that the country would ultimately prevail.

“As Nigerians, we must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation,” the President said.

On the broader fight against insecurity, Tinubu said the tragedy should serve as a turning point in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, rejecting any form of negotiation with armed groups.

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“General Abubakar’s death should further serve as a defining moment in our battle against terrorists and insurgents, never to negotiate with them on any terms, but to continue to treat them as the greatest enemies of our dear nation, who should never be spared,” the statement added.

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