By Ezinwanne Onwuka
Over 70 Dead in Pre-Christmas Stampedes for Food Aid Across Nigeria
More than 70 people have died in Nigeria in stampedes during food and palliative distribution events held just days before Christmas, as inflation, now at 34.6 percent, continues to weigh heavily on citizens. The Guardian Nigeria reported the fatality figures.
On December 18, a Christmas funfair at an Islamic High School in Ibadan, the capital of Nigeria’s Southwestern Oyo State, which drew a crowd of about 5,000 young people and children, ended in tragedy. Forty lives, mostly children, were lost, and six others were critically injured. The organizers, who had promised participants “exciting prizes like scholarships and other bountiful gifts,” were arrested, and investigations are ongoing.
Three days later, on December 21, chaos broke out during a rice distribution event by a non-profit organization in Okija, a town in Anambra State in Southeastern Nigeria, leading to 22 deaths. That same day, a stampede at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, a district in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, claimed 10 lives, including four children.
Northern Nigerian Christians Fear Terror Attacks Amid Holiday Festivities
Christians in northern Nigeria are on edge over potential terror attacks as Christmas and New Year Day draw near, reports The Punch. The fears follow recent violent incidents, including bomb explosions that killed three in Shiroro, Niger State, last Thursday, and separate bombings in Zamfara State earlier in December that left several dead.
In Kaduna, celebrations are expected to be low-key, with many churches scaling back celebrations. Pastor John Oyebanji of Church of Grace told The Punch correspondent, “We are not going to have the usual fanfare and festivities; we will have a simple service, and our members are advised to be cautious and vigilant.”
Meanwhile, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in camps across the North have prioritized survival over festivities. Mary Adamu, a mother of two in a Maiduguri camp who spoke to the local media, said, “This celebration is for people who have money. My daily prayer now is what to eat.” Despite the insecurity, some States like Gombe and Nasarawa in Northeast and North-central zones respectively remain optimistic about peaceful celebrations.
Police Dispute Amnesty International’s Claims on Protest Killings
The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed a report by Amnesty International alleging that security forces used excessive force during the August #EndBadGovernance protests, resulting in 24 deaths and over 100 detentions, including minors.
The Amnesty report, titled “Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests,” accused police of firing live ammunition at close range and using tear gas indiscriminately. However, police spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi denied these claims in a press statement, saying “There is no credible evidence to support allegations of killings or excessive use of force by the police.”
Adejobi revealed that a special investigation panel had been set up by the Inspector-General of Police to verify the allegations, adding that findings contradicted Amnesty’s report. While Amnesty International has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure justice for victims, Adejobi described the report as “sensational” and announced plans to demand its retraction.
Police Chief Orders Thorough Investigation as Man Dies from Torture in Detention
A 35-year-old man, Jimoh Abdulquadri, has died under questionable circumstances while in police custody in Ilorin, capital of Kwara State in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region. Local media reports allege that Jimoh was tortured to death after being arrested over a ₦220,000 ($142.26) debt involving a police officer’s brother.
The Kwara State police confirmed the incident. A statement quoted by Nigerian media says, “The state police command is aware of an unfortunate incident that led to the tragic death of one Mr. Jimoh Abdulquadri. Discreet investigation into the incident has commenced… no stone will be left unturned.”
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun visited Jimoh’s family on Sunday “in a show of commitment to justice and accountability,” a press statement by the Nigeria Police Force said.
IGP Egbetokun offered condolences and assured justice. “The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) will handle the case with utmost diligence to ensure a conclusive and impartial investigation,” he said.
Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
