The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has urged the Oyo State Government and relevant authorities to ensure that charity is not criminalized in their investigation of the tragic stampede that occurred during a Christmas charity event in Ibadan.
The incident, which involved Ex-Oni Wife Silekunola Naomi, broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat and Islamic school principal Abdullahi Fasasi, has sparked widespread public attention.
In a statement signed by HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, the organization called for a transparent and unbiased investigation.
HEDA emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of the tragedy, including poverty, hunger, and societal desperation, which often lead to chaotic behavior during well-meaning charitable events.
The group also highlighted the failure to implement adequate crowd management and safety measures as a contributing factor.
HEDA criticized the ongoing detention of the event organizers and the school principal, who only provided the venue.
“It is troubling that the government and police are taking an approach that seems to criminalize acts of charity and humanitarian efforts.
“This discourages well-meaning individuals who wish to offer help but fear possible repercussions,” Arigbabu stated.
The organization called on the authorities to focus on justice and fairness, urging them to avoid scapegoating individuals while prioritizing systemic reforms.
HEDA also stressed the importance of learning from this tragedy by ensuring future events are planned with proper crowd control and safety protocols.
Additionally, the group pointed to inconsistencies in how similar incidents are handled across Nigeria, referencing stampedes in Abuja and Anambra.
It called for nationwide uniformity in addressing such tragedies, ensuring justice for victims and accountability for all stakeholders involved.
“Fairness and due process must guide the investigation,” HEDA concluded, “and the systemic issues contributing to such disasters must be urgently addressed.”
This tragedy underscores the critical need for better planning, poverty alleviation, and societal reform to prevent similar occurrences while safeguarding charitable acts.
