Tragedy struck in Bama, Borno State, on Wednesday, May 15, 2025, when a stampede during a humanitarian cash distribution exercise left at least three people dead and 21 others injured.
The distribution, organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in collaboration with UNICEF, took place at Kasugula Primary School, one of the designated payment centres in the area.
According to eyewitnesses cited by Zagazola, the crowd began gathering early in the morning to receive a cash assistance of ₦28,500 per person. The situation turned chaotic around 8:00 a.m. when the crowd surged toward the school gate, triggering a stampede.
Among the injured are:
Falmata Alhaji Modu, Falmata Modu, Tella Babagana Tujani, Bulama Yakime, Amina Mohammed, Mallam Akura, Fatima Bukar, Yagana Ibrahim, Fatima Mohammed, Fatima Abatcha, Zara Lawan, Inde Modu, and Aisha Abdullahi—all residents of Bama.
Three dead, 21 injured in Bama stampede during humanitarian cash distribution
By: Zagazola Makama
Three persons were confirmed dead and several others injured following a stampede during a humanitarian cash disbursement exercise organized by the International Committee of the… pic.twitter.com/JC0z6Qgwl5
— Zagazola (@ZagazOlaMakama) May 16, 2025
Bukar Labddo (60), from Bukar Tela Ward, was confirmed dead on arrival at General Hospital Bama. Two more victims succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment at the hospital.
Security personnel were quickly deployed to the scene to restore order and assist in evacuating the injured.
The deceased have since been released to their families for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
This incident adds to a growing number of deadly stampedes in Nigeria tied to food or cash distribution efforts.
In 2024, 72 lives were lost in similar incidents in Ibadan (Oyo State), Okija (Anambra State), and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja). Notably, on December 18, 2024, a stampede during a funfair at Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, claimed the lives of about 40 children. Days later, on December 21, another 10 people died in Abuja, and 22 more in Anambra during separate food distribution efforts.
Authorities and humanitarian agencies are being urged to improve crowd management and safety protocols to prevent further tragedies.
