
Food Queue Stampedes: A Growing Crisis in Nigeria and the US
In December 2024, Nigeria experienced tragic incidents where approximately 70 individuals lost their lives in stampedes during food distribution events in Oyo, Anambra, and Abuja.
Addressing these events, Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Nentawe Yilwatda, emphasized that such tragedies are not unique to Nigeria.
He cited instances in the United States, including during Hurricane Katrina and a school food distribution in Texas, where similar stampedes occurred due to poor organization.
The Minister attributed the recent Nigerian stampedes to inadequate planning by private organizers and noted that federal government-led distributions have not encountered such issues.
He urged private donors to seek assistance from the ministry to ensure proper organization and prevent future tragedies.
These incidents highlight the critical importance of meticulous planning and crowd control in humanitarian efforts to safeguard lives.
For a visual report on the Minister’s statement, you may find the following video informative:
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