Olukayode Majekodunmi
The tragic stampede that occurred in Ibadan on December 18, 2024, has cast a dark shadow over the festive season, leaving many Nigerians grieving and reflecting on the circumstances that led to the loss of precious lives. The arrests of prominent figures such as Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwunsi, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, and Fasasi Abdullahi Babatunde have only deepened the nation’s sorrow. As we navigate the aftermath, it is imperative to advocate for justice tempered with mercy while addressing systemic failures that contributed to this disaster.
A Humanitarian Event Gone Awry
The event, designed to distribute food and other relief materials to the less privileged, was born out of compassion and a desire to alleviate suffering. In a country where poverty and hunger are rampant, such charitable acts are vital lifelines for many citizens. However, the overwhelming turnout highlighted the deep economic challenges facing the nation.
Reports indicate that the program was scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m., with police personnel expected on the ground by 8:00 a.m. Tragically, the stampede occurred around 8:00 a.m., hours before the event was officially set to begin. Unknown to the organizers, desperate individuals had arrived at the venue the night before, spending the night at the school to secure a spot in line. This critical detail underscores the lack of intent or negligence on the part of the organizers.
While it is essential to acknowledge the lapses in planning and crowd management, the broader systemic failures—such as the absence of adequate security and emergency response measures—played a significant role in the tragedy.
The Arrests: No Case to Answer
The arrests of Queen Naomi, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, and Fasasi Abdullahi Babatunde have sparked widespread debate. Legal principles demand that for a crime to be established, there must be clear evidence of intent, referred to in legal parlance as mens rea. In this case, there is no evidence of malicious intent or recklessness on the part of the organizers.
The humanitarian nature of the event, coupled with the unforeseen circumstances that led to the tragedy, indicates that these individuals have no case to answer. Holding them criminally liable for a disaster beyond their control would be both unjust and counterproductive.
Justice in this instance should reflect the organizers’ genuine intent to help, not punish them for systemic failures beyond their purview. The judiciary must resist external pressures or subtle governmental threats and remain guided by the principles of fairness and independence.
The Role of Government Institutions
The Ibadan tragedy underscores the need for stronger institutional frameworks to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Key areas for reform include:
- Improved Private Security Regulation:
Large-scale events require professional and accountable private security services to manage crowds effectively. The government should establish guidelines for organizers to partner with certified security firms for crowd control and risk management. - Enhanced Police and Emergency Services:
The delay in police presence at the event was a critical factor in the disaster. Emergency response teams, including police and fire services, must be trained and adequately equipped to manage large gatherings proactively. - Addressing Hunger and Poverty:
The stampede highlights the desperation driven by hunger and poverty. To prevent similar tragedies, the government must implement sustainable policies to tackle food insecurity, create jobs, and provide access to necessities. Charitable events should complement, not substitute, a robust social safety net.
A Path Forward
Rather than fixating on punitive measures against individuals who sought to alleviate suffering, the government should channel its energy toward systemic reforms. This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call to address the root causes of desperation and institutional failures.
The memory of those lost must inspire a collective commitment to building a safer, more equitable society where charity events no longer turn into sites of tragedy, and where hunger no longer drives desperation. By tempering justice with mercy and implementing necessary reforms, Nigeria can honor the lives lost and ensure that such incidents never recur.
The Ibadan stampede is a poignant reminder of the need for compassion, justice, and decisive action. It is only through these principles that we can build a nation where the goodwill of a few is supported by the strength of its institutions, creating a safer and more equitable future for all.
* Olukayode Majekodunmi, LLM (Notre Dame)