News
Hunger! Anger as over 75 Nigerians die in Stampede while struggling for food
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
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.
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
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.
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.
A vehicle in the convoy of wife of the Nigerian president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has killed a seven years old girl identified as Saratu Lawal in Akure, Ondo State, SaharaReporters has exclusively gathered.
Mrs Tinubu was in Akure on Thursday to flag off the South-West leg of the Renewed Hope Initiative to improve the well-being of women and girls across the country and distribute no fewer than 10,000 professional kits — comprising Crocs and scrubs — to nurses and midwives in the South-West region.
Multiple sources told SaharaReporters that a butter coloured hilux in the First Lady’s convoy knocked Saratu around Oba Ile while the president’s wife was moving from the airport to the venue of the event.
“A seven years old girl by name Saratu Lawal, and a pupil of Islamiyar Arabic School, Shasha, was knocked down by a butter coloured hilux in the government convoy of her Excellency, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is on official visit to Ondo State,” the source told SaharaReporters.
“The incident occurred today, Thursday 17th April, 2025 in Oba Ile, before the Oba Ile Central Mosque.
“It claimed the life of the child as every effort to save her could not yield the desired result even when she was rushed to the primary healthcare in Oba Ile.”
When contacted, Malam Lawali, the father of the deceased, who is a trader at Oba Ile market, said he has “handed everything to God.”
SaharaReporters learnt the lifeless body of the child has been handed over to the family for burial in line with Islamic injunction.
Calls put across by SaharaReporters to Ondo Police command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olushola were not picked nor returned.
Text message sent to his line was yet to be replied as at the time of this report.
No fewer than 32 cows have been reportedly died of poisoning around the Tafi Gana junction area of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident happened on Wednesday in an open field along the Zawura-Jebbu Miango axis, between Dutsen Kura and Jebbu Miango, a region historically prone to ethno-farmer-herder tension.
Samaila Nuhu, the affected herder, told Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, that his animals began showing strange symptoms after grazing in the area, prompting suspicions of deliberate poisoning.
The Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), in Bassa LGA, Ya’u Idris, also confirmed the incident to Daily Trust.
The chairman said the incident occurred around 4:30pm when the cattle were grazing in the area, adding that poison had been placed on garden eggs, which were scattered around the grazing area and eaten by the cattle.
Idris further explained that they had reported the incident to all security agencies including the GOC 3 Division, DSD and police, adding the GOC had visited the scene of the incident.
“We have about 78 cattle grazing in the area. Currently, 36 have been killed, and the remaining 42 are in critical condition. It’s uncertain what will happen to them due to the poisoned garden eggs scattered around.
“We’ve informed the GOC 3 Division, and he visited the scene. He urged us not to take the law into our hands and promised to investigate those behind the incident and have them arrested,” the chairman narrated.
He, however, called on members of the Fulani community to remain calm and not take the law into their hands, hoping that the security forces are on top of the situation.
The poisoning of the cattle came barely two days after 52 people were killed and many others injured in Zikke village, in the same Bassa LGA. Many houses were razed by the perpetrators.
Members of the attacked community accused the herding community of being responsible for the killings on Monday, an accusation that was denied by the herders.
The spokesman of Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom, did not respond to a message by our correspondent on the incident at press time.
Night grazing banned
Two days after attacks on Plateau villages, which led to loss of lives and destruction of property, Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Wednesday banned night grazing, transportation of cattle and movements of motorcycles beyond 7pm.
The ban is one of the measures taken by the state government to prevent further conflicts between herding and farming communities.
The governor, who announced the ban in a statewide broadcast on Wednesday, said: “In the late hours of Sunday, April 13, the peace of Zikke village in Bassa LGA was shattered by a brutal attack that claimed the lives of innocent men, women and children.
“This comes while we still mourn the tragic loss of over 50 lives in Bokkos. These attacks are calculated, persistent and painful.
“In response to these attacks, the following measures take effect from Wednesday, April 16th: Night grazing is strictly prohibited. Transportation of cattle after 7pm is banned, and motorcycle movement is restricted from 7pm to 6am statewide.
“I call on traditional rulers and youth leaders to revive local vigilante patrols in partnership with security forces. We must be united in protecting our land, guided by justice and law. Let us remain calm, vigilant and united.”
Mr Isaac Aregbesola, a Senior Editor with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has announced the death of his wife, Mrs. Wumi Aregbesola (Nee Adebayo).
Aregbesola in a statement said his wife, 52, died on Friday, April 11, 2025
The editor described his late wife as a pillar of strength, support, and a source of inspiration to her family, friends, and colleagues.
“Her kind-hearted nature, compassion, and generosity touched the lives of countless individuals, making her an exceptional woman who will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
”Throughout her life, she demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to humanity service,” he said.
Describing her as a God-fearing woman, a great manager of resources, and a devoted wife, Aregbesola said his late wife’s life was a testament to humility, kindness, and enduring service.
He noted that Wumi was a seasoned accountant and entrepreneur who impacted positively on the lives of everyone who came across her.
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