The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on the Oyo State government and relevant authorities to avoid criminalising charity in the investigation of the tragic stampede during a Christmas event in Ibadan.
The incident, which involved Ooni’s former wife, Silekunola Naomi, Oriyomi Hamzat, and Islamic School Principal, Abdullahi Fasasi, has drawn widespread attention.
In a statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, the organisation stressed the need for a thorough and impartial investigation, cautioning against scapegoatism and bias.
It emphasised the urgent need for government across all levels to address the root causes of the incident, including poverty, hunger, societal values where desperation often leads to unruly behaviour, even during well-meaning charitable events, and the lack of proper crowd management and safety protocols.
HEDA also decried the continued detention of the organisers and the school principal, who merely rented out the facility.
“It is troubling to see the government and police’s approach, which seems to criminalise acts of charity and humanitarian interventions. This has long been a challenge in Nigeria, where well-intentioned individuals fear repercussions for offering help,” Arigbabu said.
The organisation further called on the police to conduct a transparent investigation without criminalising goodwill, and highlighted the need for well-meaning Nigerians to learn from the tragedy by prioritisng safety, crowd control, and planning in future events.
ALSO, the Centre for Public Accountability (CPA) has demanded a full public inquest into the tragic incident and similar ones across the federation.
The stampedes, which took place in Ibadan, Abuja, Nasarawa, and Okija, Anambra State, have left a trail of devastation and grief.
The incidents include the loss of 35 children at a Christmas funfair in Ibadan, 10 fatalities during a church-organised charity event in Abuja, and 22 deaths at a food distribution programme in Anambra.
The group, in a statement yesterday, signed by its Director of Publicity, Dr Karim Adegboyega, called for a swift and comprehensive public inquiry into the incidents, emphasising the need for immediate and enforceable safety measures.
It queried the murder charges brought against ex-Queen Naomi Ogunwusi, and prominent radio presenter, Oriyomi Hamzat.
The organisation stressed the importance of a meticulous investigation into the actions of the organisers and others involved, stating that justice must prevail.
