The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has directed all its zonal, territorial, and operational offices to remain on high alert following a spate of fatal stampedes during palliative distribution events across the country.
This announcement came in the wake of tragic incidents in Ibadan, Oyo State; Okija, Anambra State; and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, where stampedes claimed multiple lives and left many injured within a span of four days.
In a statement issued on Saturday, NEMA’s Director-General, Zubaida Umar, expressed deep concern over the recurring loss of lives during acts of charity.
She lamented the poor planning and inadequate crowd control measures that often turn well-intentioned events into scenes of chaos and grief.
“While sympathising with the families of the deceased and those injured, I urge organisers of similar events to engage professionals and seek the support of security agencies to manage crowds effectively,” Umar said.
She stressed the importance of prioritising safety during such activities to prevent further tragedies.
Umar disclosed that NEMA offices nationwide have been activated to support first responders in handling emergencies, particularly as traffic and gatherings typically increase during the festive season.
In one of the incidents, a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday morning resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals, including four children. Several others sustained injuries.
According to eyewitness accounts, chaos erupted when thousands of residents scrambled to access food items distributed to vulnerable and elderly individuals by the church.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, revealed that eight injured victims were treated, with four already discharged. She added that others were still receiving medical attention.
Meanwhile, in Okija, Anambra State, another stampede during a rice distribution event left several residents feared dead.
The distribution, organized by a philanthropist, Obijackson, saw a massive turnout of residents seeking free rice, leading to uncontrollable crowd movements and casualties.
A witness described the harrowing scene in a video, expressing sorrow over the loss of lives, particularly among women who had gathered at the event.
NEMA has urged organisers of palliative distribution events to adopt structured approaches, engage professionals, and liaise with security agencies to ensure orderly and safe execution.
“This is a season of goodwill, and the intention to provide relief should not lead to sorrow,” Umar stated, calling for collective efforts to prevent avoidable tragedies.
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