By Matthew Ma
I have noted a growing sentiment within the community advocating for the arrest and prosecution of individuals responsible for organizing these events that have caused the stampede. While I acknowledge and respect the need for accountability in these cases, it is equally crucial to extend this level of investigation to past organizers of similar events. To truly pursue justice, we must apply our standards fairly and consistently, irrespective of when the events in question took place.”
Organizing a charity event during the Christmas season involves much more than merely executing a series of tasks; it offers a profound opportunity for individuals and communities to come together to support a shared mission. This festive time of year, traditionally associated with joy, goodwill, and generosity, empowers people to harness their collective energy, resources, and creativity to make a tangible and meaningful difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Many communities participate in various charitable initiatives during the Christmas season each year. For instance, they collect food, clothing, and toys for local needy families, ensuring that no one goes without essential items during the holidays. Others volunteer at shelters, assisting in meal preparation, gift distribution, or providing companionship to those who may feel isolated and alone. These efforts not only provide financial support but also foster a spirit of community involvement, encouraging local businesses and individuals to collaborate for the greater good.
Stampede and people died: However, achieving impactful charitable work during Christmas can be challenging. For example, if charity events are poorly organized or lack clear direction, they may not only fail to meet their objectives but can also derail the very mission they set out to accomplish. A poignant example occurred in Nigeria during the 2024 Christmas charity event in Abuja, Anambra, and Oyo. Initially, there were hopes of spreading joy through charitable acts, including food distributions and various forms of support for the less fortunate. Sadly, these initiatives turned into horrific events, resulting in at least 67 fatalities over the past week, with a considerable number of victims being children. The first tragic events unfolded in Ibadan, where a Christmas funfair organized by Queen Naomi, the former wife of the esteemed Ooni of Ife, aimed to celebrate with over 1,000 children at the renowned Islamic High School in the Bashorun district. Unfortunately, what was intended to be a joyful Christmas celebration turned into a calamity, resulting in the loss of approximately thirty-five young lives amidst the chaos.
As the nation still grappled with the tragedy of losing thirty-five future leaders, further distressing news emerged from Okija and even the seat of power. The stampede at Amamaranta Stadium in Okija resulted in 22 fatalities during a rice distribution event organized by Chief Ernest Obiejesi, a prominent businessman and philanthropist, through his Obijackson Foundation. Additionally, in the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja, a separate incident occurred at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, where 10 lives were lost. This tragedy unfolded during a gathering at the church, attended by over 1,000 individuals seeking food and clothing to aid them in their time of need. It was a national tragedy of immense proportions. Many Nigerians began to demand answers regarding the events that unfolded. Were there no police officers on the scene? If law enforcement agencies were present, why did they allow 35 children to die in a single, devastating incident?
Observing Nigerians risking their lives for basic necessities and survival is profoundly disheartening. These tragic circumstances underscore a significant societal failure. However, amidst this, one positive element stands out—the sincere dedication of charity event organizers to effect meaningful change within the community. For over a decade, Obijackson has been actively engaged in charitable efforts. A remarkable example of this commitment is the construction of Gonzaga Jesuit College, which he generously gifted to the Jesuits to enhance the educational opportunities available in the community. This gesture highlights his dedication to social betterment and illustrates the potential for philanthropy to create lasting change in the lives of the less fortunate. However, the unfortunate events leading to unnecessary loss of life raise critical questions about the negligence of relevant government agencies. There has been a significant underestimation of the number of individuals attending these events in search of food. This oversight likely contributed to the conspicuous absence of police and adequate security measures, leading to chaos and tragedy. It is difficult to fathom how such a lapse in judgment could occur, especially considering the dire socioeconomic conditions prevalent in the country. Additionally, it is worth noting that there is a growing societal expectation for free offerings, even in relative stability. Regardless of economic circumstances, many people may flock to these charity events out of habit or desire for communal participation. This tendency indicates that the allure of free sustenance transcends basic needs—if a charity event were organized today, we would likely witness an astonishing turnout. Even those who are adequately nourished might feel compelled to join in, further complicating the dynamics of these events and amplifying the challenges that organizers and local authorities face.
Unfortunately, the tragic history of stampedes in Nigeria is not a new phenomenon. Over the years, numerous stampedes have resulted in the loss of countless lives, often occurring during events that attract large crowds for charity or public celebrations. One of the most devastating incidents took place in 2010 in Lagos, where a stampede at the National Stadium during a free distribution of rice and other goods led to the deaths of more than 15 people. This event, organized by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other organizations, aimed to assist vulnerable populations but descended into chaos due to inadequate crowd control measures. This incident underscored persistent issues such as insufficient planning, poor crowd management, and ineffective security personnel to handle the influx of attendees.
In 2013, a devastating stampede occurred in Port Harcourt during a charity event organized by the late Christian philanthropist Pastor Bimbo Odukoya’s Foundation. The event aimed to distribute gifts and food items to thousands of attendees who gathered in anticipation of receiving assistance. However, as the distribution began, the excitement and eagerness of the crowd quickly escalated into chaos. In the scramble for provisions, the crowd surged forward uncontrollably, resulting in a tragic stampede that claimed the lives of several individuals. The lack of adequate crowd control measures exacerbated the situation. Overwhelmed by the sudden rush, organizers were ill-equipped to manage the throngs of people and were left to navigate the ensuing chaos with little support from the authorities. This regrettable incident highlights the critical importance of proper planning and safety protocols at significant public events to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
On March 15, 2014, Nigeria witnessed another heartbreaking tragedy when a stampede erupted during a nationwide recruitment exercise organized by the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). This event attracted an overwhelming number of job seekers, with thousands of individuals converging at various locations across the country, hoping to secure one of the limited job positions. The sheer volume of attendees exceeded the facilities’ capacity, leading to severe overcrowding. As candidates rushed to enter the venues, chaos ensued, resulting in a stampede that tragically claimed the lives of at least 16 people and left many others injured. The incident highlighted the severe unemployment crisis gripping the nation, where countless individuals vied for scarce job opportunities. The recruitment drive became a stark reminder of the dangers posed by poorly organized events, particularly in a society where desperation for employment can drive significant crowds to gather.
In 2017, a tragic stampede unfolded in the Okadigbo community, located in southeastern Nigeria, during a food distribution event organized by a prominent Nigerian billionaire. This philanthropic initiative, intended to assist the underprivileged, drew an unexpectedly large crowd, surpassing initial estimates. As the thousands of attendees anxiously awaited the distribution of food items, the atmosphere quickly shifted from anticipation to panic. With limited security personnel on the ground to manage the crowd, the situation escalated as people rushed forward desperately to secure food. In the ensuing chaos, at least 10 individuals lost their lives, with many more injured. The heartbreaking loss was a grim reminder of the risks associated with large gatherings, particularly in areas where resources are scarce and the demand far outstrips the supply. The incident raised significant concerns about crowd management and public safety during humanitarian efforts, prompting discussions on how such tragedies can be prevented in the future.
Rev. Ma, S. J., is a Jesuit Catholic priest of the North West Africa Province of the Society of Jesus. He currently writes from the Kukah Center in Abuja, Nigeria.
