The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) has confirmed that one individual lost their life and 21 others were injured during a stampede at a cash distribution event in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
The unfortunate incident took place on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at KASUGULA Primary School, one of the designated locations for the second phase of a collaborative humanitarian cash transfer program by the NRCS and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
In a statement released on Saturday, May 17, in Maiduguri, the NRCS described the incident as unfortunate, explaining that the cash support program was intended to support the educational needs of vulnerable families in three local government areas of the state.
The second phase of the disbursement, targeting 8,121 beneficiaries, began on May 14 across four sites in Bama, specifically: KASUGULA Primary School, Old Bama Primary School, Kaigamari Primary School, and Mbusube Primary School.
“Over 1,000 beneficiaries successfully received assistance on the first day of distribution without incident,” the statement read.
However, on the second day of the program, overcrowding at the KASUGULA location triggered a stampede, leading to one fatality and injuries to 21 others.
The NRCS reported that four of the injured, who faced breathing difficulties, were quickly resuscitated and are currently receiving medical attention. Their condition is said to be stable, with expectations of discharge in the near future.
“All the injured were evacuated to the General Hospital in Bama for treatment,” the statement added.
The organization extended its condolences to the family of the deceased and committed to reviewing its operational protocols to avoid such incidents in the future.
The cash distribution program is part of initiatives aimed at improving access to education and reducing vulnerability among conflict-affected communities in Borno.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
