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.
President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The ceremony followed the Senate’s confirmation of Amupitan’s appointment last week after a rigorous screening session on October 16.
At the swearing-in, President Tinubu tasked Amupitan with safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s elections and strengthening INEC’s institutional capacity.
“As the chairman of INEC, your nomination and confirmation reflect the confidence reposed in you by both the executive and legislative arms of government. This marks the start of a challenging yet rewarding journey, and I trust you will approach your duties with integrity, dedication, and patriotism,” Tinubu said.
Highlighting Nigeria’s democratic progress over 25 years, the President emphasized the need for continuous innovation and reform to maintain free, fair, and credible elections. He urged Amupitan to ensure transparency and public trust throughout the entire electoral process—from voter registration and campaigning to voting and counting.
Amupitan, a professor of law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), arrived at the State House on Thursday dressed in traditional white agbada and gold cap ahead of the formal ceremony. He was accompanied by presidential aides.
During his Senate screening, the 58-year-old nominee pledged to restore credibility to Nigeria’s electoral process by prioritizing reforms, including strengthening the Electoral Act to resolve inconsistencies in election timelines and enhance transparency.
“We must conduct elections where even the loser congratulates the winner fairly,” Amupitan told senators, emphasizing the need to rebuild voter confidence.
He also clarified his neutrality by denying any involvement in President Tinubu’s legal team during the 2023 Presidential Election Petitions Court, stating, “I never appeared before the Presidential Election Tribunal or the Supreme Court for any party.”
Amupitan succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the sixth substantive INEC chairman since the commission’s establishment. He is expected to immediately begin the transition process at INEC headquarters in Abuja following his swearing-in.
Profile
Born on April 25, 1967, the 58-year-old Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, Plateau State. He is also an alumnus of the university.
He specialises in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance and Privatisation Law. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in September 2014.
After completing primary and secondary education, he attended Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, from 1982 to 1984, and the University of Jos from 1984 to 1987. He was called to the bar in 1988.
Amupitan earned an LLM at UNIJOS in 1993 and a PhD in 2007, amid an academic career that began in 1989, following his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation in Bauchi from 1988 to 1989.
He currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, a position he holds in conjunction with being the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.
Among the academic positions he has held at UNIJOS are: Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012-2014); Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008-2014); and Head of Public Law (2006-2008).
Outside of academics, Amupitan serves as a board member of Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom, a member of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council, and a member of the Council of Legal Education (2008-2014), among other roles. He was a board member of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja(1996-2004).
Amupitan is the author of many books on law, such as Corporate Governance: Models and Principles(2008); Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008); Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria(2013), Principles of Company Law(2013) and an Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014).
He is married and has four children.
Dangote Group has denied owning the truck that crushed a pregnant woman, a child, and six others to death in an accident in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The company issued the clarification in a statement on its X account on Wednesday.
The statement followed reports that a cement-laden truck suffered brake failure and rammed into traders and other road users.
Reacting, Dangote Group said the truck involved in the tragic incident does not belong to the group or any of its subsidiaries.
It added that vehicle registration records confirm the truck is owned and operated by an independent logistics company with no affiliation to Dangote Group.
“Dangote Group has refuted reports circulating on social media and in some online platforms linking it to a truck involved in a road accident in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
“The company wishes to make it categorically clear that the truck involved in the unfortunate incident does not belong to Dangote Group or any of its subsidiaries.
“Verified vehicle registration details confirm that the truck with Plate No. JJJ 365 XB is owned and operated by an independent logistics company with no affiliation to Dangote Group,” the statement reads.
News
VIDEO: Sowore Arrested at Federal High Court Premises, Abuja, After Meeting Nnamdi Kanu.
“The commissioner of police said we should bring you to the office,” the policeman said.
Police operatives have arrested former presidential candidate and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Sowore was forcibly taken away by armed police officers from the Federal High Court premises in Abuja on Thursday, October 23, 2025, shortly after attending the court session of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
Sowore, who has been leading campaigns for Kanu’s release, was confronted by security operatives who insisted he accompany them to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that the officers surrounded him moments after he exited the courtroom, refusing to disclose specific details about his alleged offence.
When questioned by onlookers, one of the policemen stated that they were acting on the directive of the FCT Commissioner of Police.
“The commissioner of police said we should bring you to the office,” the policeman said.
As of the time of filing this report, the reason for Sowore’s arrest and his current whereabouts remain unclear.
Credit: Punch
Benue Governor Alia dissolves Lobi Stars FC board
BREAKING: Tinubu swears in Amupitan as new INEC Chair
Dangote denies owning truck that killed eight in Ondo accident
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
Crime2 days agoIndonesia to Repatriate British Grandmother on Death Row, Says Official
-
News2 days agoCustoms Launch Digital Vehicle Verification Platform to Combat Smuggling
-
News2 days agoMoniepoint Managers Break Silence on $200M ‘Miraculous’ Fundraise Backed by DPI, Google, Visa, IFC & LeapFrog
-
Crime3 days agoBauchi: Boy,17, plucks sister’s eyes for money ritual
-
Sports3 days agoGlasgow Rangers appoint Rohl as new manager
-
Business2 days agoHow to Market and Sell Real Estate in Nigeria as a New Agent
-
News3 hours agoBREAKING: Tinubu swears in Amupitan as new INEC Chair
-
Sports3 days agoDembele returns for PSG after six weeks out