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00:00The holiday season, a time of hope and giving, has been overshadowed by tragedy in Nigeria.
00:06What should be a period of celebration has instead become
00:10a somber reminder of the dangers of poor crowd control and planning.
00:19In the latest devastating episodes, stampede at food distribution events in Anambra and Abuja
00:25have claimed at least 30 lives, just days after a similar tragedy in Ibado left about 35 children
00:34dead. Yesterday, 20 more lost their lives in Okija, Anambra State, during a chaotic food
00:41distribution organized by a private institution. In Abuja, 10 more lives were lost at the only
00:50Trinity Catholic Church in Mitama, where a crowd surged forward in a desperate bid to receive food
00:57items. Victims from both incidents were rushed to nearby hospitals, but for some, it was too late.
01:07While addressing the press, Charles Aburimi, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Governor,
01:13confirmed fatalities and stated that investigations are ongoing.
01:19In Abuja, police spokesperson Josephine Ade reported that the disease included four children
01:25and six adults, while over 1,000 people had to be evacuated by security forces.
01:34These tragedies followed the heartbreaking incident in Ibado, where 35 children were
01:39trampled to death during the Christmas funfair at the Islamic High School in Bashirun.
01:47The event was organized by Queen Naomi Shilekwola Ogunwosi's Foundation,
01:52Women in Need of Guidance, in collaboration with Agedegbo 88.7 FM. The event drew over 5,000
02:01attendees. A surge during the distribution of gifts turned the festive excitement into chaos.
02:09Adewale Oshifeso, the spokesperson for Yore State Police Command, confirmed that a homicide
02:18investigation is underway. Meanwhile, Queen Naomi, the school principal, and six others
02:26have been arrested in connection with the Ibado stampede. These incidents are part of a troubling
02:33trend. Earlier this year, two students died and over 23 injured at Nasarawa State University
02:41during rice distribution. Similarly, seven people lost their lives in Bauchi while lining up for a
02:48charity cash handout. These repeated tragedies highlight the urgent need to improve planning,
02:56better crowd control, and strict safety measures at public events. The nation mourns for the
03:03families affected and calls for immediate reforms to prevent such losses in the future.
03:09These tragic events remind us of the fragility of life and the critical importance of safety
03:16in moments meant to bring joy. As we reflect on the lives lost and the outbreak left behind,
03:22it is clear that urgent action is needed to ensure preventable disasters never happen again.
03:29To the families affected, our hearts are with you. Stay tuned with us as we continue to follow
03:34these stories and bring you more updates. My name is Lois Oguniyi. Bye for now.