Hunger and Despair: How Tragic Stampedes Exposed Nigeria’s Deepening Crisis

Nigeria has been plunged into mourning as a series of stampedes in Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra State claimed the lives of over 67 people, including children, in just one week. These tragic incidents, which occurred during charity events aimed at distributing essential items, have not only highlighted the desperation of citizens but also exposed critical failings in economic policies, social structures, and crowd management practices.

1. Economic Hardship: Policies and Their Consequences –

The nation is currently facing its most severe economic crisis in decades. Inflation has skyrocketed to an alarming 34.6%, the highest in nearly three decades, while the value of the naira has plummeted against the dollar. These challenges have been compounded by the removal of fuel subsidies and currency devaluation under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Though these reforms aim to stabilise the economy and attract foreign investments, they have led to an unprecedented rise in fuel prices and a surge in the cost of essential commodities. For millions of Nigerians already living on the brink, the impact has been devastating, forcing many into extreme poverty. The desperation to secure basic necessities was tragically evident in the chaotic scenes at these charity events.

2. Poor Crowd Control: A Deadly Oversight –

Inadequate crowd management played a significant role in these tragedies. In Abuja, a stampede occurred at Holy Trinity Catholic Church at the crack of dawn as crowds surged to access relief items, leading to ten fatalities. In Anambra’s Okija community, 22 lives were lost during a food distribution drive, while in Ibadan, Oyo State, the death toll climbed to 35.
These incidents expose the lack of preparedness by the organisers of such events. Venues were not adequately secured, and there was minimal coordination with security agencies. Organisers underestimated the desperation and sheer volume of attendees, leading to uncontrollable surges and tragic outcomes.

3. Social Behaviours: Scarcity and Chaos –

At the root of these tragedies is the psychology of scarcity, which creates an atmosphere of fear, anxiety, and urgency. Scarcity fosters a survival mentality, where individuals prioritise immediate needs over communal safety and order.
Such behaviours are often exacerbated in a country where resources are increasingly scarce. Disorderliness and, in some cases, outright lawlessness emerge as people compete for limited supplies. This chaotic environment turned deadly during the recent events, as desperation overpowered rationality.

Steps Toward a Solution

To prevent similar occurrences in the future, a multi-pronged approach is essential.

• Implementing Economic Reforms with Safety Nets: Economic measures should be accompanied by robust social protection programs to mitigate their impact on vulnerable populations. These could include subsidised essential goods, direct financial assistance to struggling families, and large-scale job creation programs to ease unemployment.
• Better Crowd Management: Event organisers must prioritise safety. Proper crowd control measures such as secured venues, ticketed entries, barriers, and coordination with law enforcement are critical to ensuring orderly distributions.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public on orderly conduct during events is essential. Campaigns that emphasise patience, community responsibility, and the dangers of chaos can help reduce risks during future gatherings.
• Government Accountability: The government must take responsibility for policies that deepen economic hardship. Policymakers should engage with communities, advocacy groups, and experts to reevaluate strategies and implement solutions prioritising citizens’ welfare.

A Call to Action

These stampedes are a painful reminder of the depths of Nigeria’s economic and social crisis. They call for urgent intervention from the government, civil society, private organisations, and community leaders. Addressing the root causes of these tragedies requires a united effort to alleviate poverty, ensure public safety, and rebuild trust among citizens.

As the country mourns these avoidable deaths, the hope remains that the lessons learned from this tragic week will inspire the systemic changes needed to prevent future calamities.

May God grant eternal repose to the departed souls and comfort to the families who are left to grieve their losses. Amen!

Rev. Fr. Raymond Anoliefo
Director, JDPC Lagos