A routine humanitarian cash distribution turned tragic in Bama, Borno State, after a stampede claimed three lives and left 21 others injured.
The disbursement, reportedly held on Thursday, May 15, at Kasugula Primary School, drew hundreds of residents who gathered from as early as 8:00 a.m. to receive ₦28,500 in financial aid. However, what was meant to bring relief ended in panic and chaos.
As the crowd swelled and tensions rose at the school gate, a surge led to a deadly stampede. Witnesses recounted how the situation quickly spiraled out of control, with people screaming as they were knocked down and trampled.
Among those injured were Falmata Alhaji Modu, Tella Babagana Tujani, Bulama Yakime, Fatima Bukar, and several others from Bama town.
One of the victims, 60-year-old Bukar Labddo from Bukar Tela Ward, was rushed to the General Hospital in Bama but was declared dead on arrival. Hospital sources confirmed that two additional victims died while receiving treatment.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after to restore order and evacuate the wounded. The bodies of the deceased have been released to their families for burial in accordance with Islamic customs.
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The incident has sparked renewed concerns over crowd management and safety protocols at humanitarian distribution points.
However, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has denied involvement in the activity. Speaking to the media, ICRC Public Relations Officer Aliyu Dawobe described reports linking the organization to the distribution as misleading.
“The ICRC did not participate in any such cash distribution in Bama,” Dawobe stated, clarifying that the organization had no role in the event where the stampede occurred.
As investigations continue, questions remain over the coordination and safety measures at such aid programs, particularly in high-risk areas with vulnerable populations.