News
Ibadan stampede, Okija Stampede: A Preventable Tragedy, by Christian ABURIME
The recent stampede at Okija in Anambra State, where about 22 people as confirmed by the police, including the elderly, pregnant women, children and nursing mothers, tragically lost their lives while they scrambled for relief materials to celebrate Christmas, painfully reminds us of the dangers of unchecked crowds and the urgent need for better planning of public philanthropic events.
This heartbreaking incident, following similar recent tragedies in Ibadan and Abuja, also reflects the critical importance of prioritising safety and human life in all our endeavours, especially when dealing with vulnerable populations.
It is understandable that Nigerians are hard pressed by the prevailing economic exigencies in the country.
But the Okija stampede, triggered by the well-intentioned efforts of the Obi Jackson Foundation to distribute rice, oil, and more to the less privileged, highlights the inherent risks associated with large gatherings, particularly when resources are perceived to be scarce.
The desperation and anxiety that the palliatives may not go round often accompany such events, thus escalating into a chaotic situation, leading to tragic consequences.
Stampedes, by their very nature, are unpredictable and can quickly overwhelm even the most well-meaning organisers.
The sheer force of a moving crowd can cause severe injuries, crush victims, and cut off oxygen supply, leading to suffocation and even death.
In the Okija incident, the lack of crowd control measures, coupled with the overwhelming number of people struggling for palliatives, appears to have contributed significantly to the tragic outcome.
It is imperative that we learn from this incident and take proactive steps to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. First and foremost, prioritising safety cannot be overstated.
Organisers of public palliatives-sharing programmes must always prioritise the safety and well-being of beneficiaries above all else so that their noble intentions don’t turn into regrettable mistakes that will haunt them or even lead to legal consequences.
Safety protocols include conducting thorough risk assessments, implementing robust crowd control measures, and ensuring adequate medical personnel are on standby.
Naturally, decentralised distribution of relief materials through multiple, smaller distribution points can also significantly reduce overcrowding and mitigate the risk of stampedes.
Special attention should be given to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, children, and people with disabilities.
These individuals should be prioritised and provided with designated areas and assistance, different from the general crowd.
And of course, public awareness campaigns should be conducted to educate the public ahead about the importance of orderly conduct during such events.
It is reassuring that Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has responded empathetically and taken a crucial step through the initiation of an investigation into the Okija incident.
The government will also be taking proactive measures to prevent future occurrences. This may include issuing clear guidelines for the distribution of relief materials, providing training on crowd control and emergency response, and working closely with local communities and civil society organisations to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.
In all, Ndi Anambra are urged to exercise caution and prioritise their safety during this festive season and at any public event involving either the distribution of relief materials, funfair or parties.
Let us be mindful of our surroundings, avoid pushing and shoving, and follow the instructions of designated personnel.
Let us learn from the Okija tragedy to create a safer and more orderly society for all. Remember, only the living can celebrate. Merry Christmas.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has firmly dismissed as fake a circulating image purporting to show a new ₦5,000 banknote bearing the portrait of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, April 9, 2026, the apex bank declared: “This content is fake. Let the public be guided.” The clarification came after the image went viral on social media, sparking debates and reactions among users who questioned its authenticity.
The viral mock-up, which some claimed was a “first sample” of a redesigned higher denomination note, has been identified by fact-checkers and media outlets as AI-generated.
Tests using AI detection tools reportedly showed over 90% AI-generated content, and earlier versions of similar images carried watermarks linked to Grok, an AI tool on the X platform.
This is not the first time such claims have surfaced. In 2025, the CBN similarly debunked reports of impending introductions of ₦5,000 and ₦10,000 notes, describing those as false and clarifying that no such policy or designs were in the works.
The CBN urged Nigerians to disregard the misleading image and rely only on official communications from the bank. It has not announced any plans to introduce new currency denominations or redesign existing notes with the president’s image.
The development comes amid ongoing efforts by authorities to combat misinformation that could potentially cause public confusion or economic anxiety regarding the naira.
Members of the public are advised to verify currency-related information directly through the CBN’s official website (cbn.gov.ng) or verified channels.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading a viral video claiming terrorists were advancing on Abuja with heavy gunfire.
In a statement on Thursday, the Command said there was no terrorist attack or security breach anywhere in the Federal Capital Territory.
Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, described the video as a deliberate attempt to incite panic and spread misinformation.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, preliminary investigations revealed that the gunshots in the footage were manipulated and edited from an unrelated source, then superimposed on visuals of buildings under construction at an unidentified location.
The Commissioner has ordered a full forensic analysis to trace the origin of the video and identify those responsible for prosecution.
The FCT Police warned content creators and social media users against spreading false information that could cause fear and public disorder.
Residents were urged to disregard the video and refrain from sharing unverified content.
The Command reassured residents of its commitment to maintaining safety and security in the FCT.
News
US Declares 23 Nigerian States High-Risk for Citizens
Southern and Southeastern states were not spared. The Department urged caution in Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt), citing crime, kidnapping, and violent protests.
Photo: President Donald Trump; President Bola Tinubu
The United States Department of State has classified 23 Nigerian states “High Insecurity Risks” for its citizens to go , work and live.
In an updated travel advisory issued on Wednesday, the Embassy in Nigeria urged Americans to reconsider travel to Nigeria, with certain states classified under “Level 4: Do Not Travel” due to heightened security risks.
Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba were added to the list, bringing the total to 23 states where travel is strongly discouraged.
In Northern Nigeria, the advisory highlighted Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and northern Adamawa as particularly high-risk, citing terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime.Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara were also flagged due to civil unrest, widespread crime, and kidnappings.
“The security situation in these states is unstable and uncertain due to civil unrest. Widespread violence between communities and armed crime, including kidnapping and roadside banditry.
“Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning,” the advisory warned.
Southern and Southeastern states were not spared. The Department urged caution in Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt), citing crime, kidnapping, and violent protests.
“Crime is widespread in Southern Nigeria. There is a high risk of kidnapping, violent protests, and armed gangs,” the advisory stated.
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