The African Media Network (AMNET) has called for an investigation into the tragic stampede incidents during palliative food distribution events in Abuja, Anambra, and Oyo States.
In a statement made available by the group’s Communications Officer, J. Odor, AMNET condoles with families and communities affected by the incidents which claimed the lives of 39 Nigerians.
Odor quoted the President of the Continental Media Network, Hon. Aniekan Umanah to have expressed profound sorrow and solidarity with the victims’ families.
The statement read partly, “These tragic stampedes highlight the severe hunger and desperation gripping our country,” Hon. Umanah stated. “We stand with the grieving families and urge the federal government to address the underlying causes of these incidents, including poverty and inadequate social safety nets.”
In Maitama, Abuja, 10 lives were lost as attendees struggled to access food items, including 25kg bags of rice and vegetable oil. Similar tragedies in Anambra and Ibadan resulted in 29 and 35 fatalities, respectively, leaving many others injured.
Hon. Umanah urged state and federal authorities in Abuja, Anambra, and Oyo State to set new rules for crowd control and safety measures at such public engagements as well as a comprehensive review of planning and management practices during relief distribution events.
Reports indicate that the Abuja incident at Holy Trinity Catholic Church overwhelmed organizers despite the presence of security personnel. Reverend Father Mike Umoh, National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, confirmed the deaths, noting that “this incident reflects the severe hunger and desperation across the country.”
Similarly, in Anambra, a stampede at the Obijackson Centre in Okija, Ihiala LGA, resulted in 29 deaths, while in Ibadan, 35 children lost their lives during a funfair held at Islamic High School in the Bashorun district.
“These tragic events are a wake-up call to address the urgent issues of hunger and poverty in Nigeria. The federal government must prioritize effective crowd control, planning, and security for all charity and relief efforts,” Hon. Umanah emphasized. “The recent budget must also include concrete measures to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.”
The African Media Network remains committed to advocating for the safety and dignity of all Nigerians and calls on stakeholders to take immediate action to prevent such tragedies in the future.
