The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on the Oyo State Government and relevant authorities to avoid criminalizing charity in the investigation of the tragic stampede during a Christmas charity event in Ibadan. The incident, which involved Ex-Oni Wife Silekunola Naomi, Oriyomi Hamzat, and Islamic School Principal Abdullahi Fasasi, has drawn widespread attention.
In a statement signed by HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, the organization emphasized the need for a thorough and impartial investigation, urging against scapegoating and bias. It stressed 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 behavior, even during well-meaning charitable events, and the lack of proper crowd management and safety protocols.
HEDA also frowned at the continuous detention of the organizers and the school principal, who merely rented out the facility. “It is troubling to see the government and police’s approach, which seems to criminalize 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 organization further called on the police to conduct a transparent investigation without criminalizing goodwill and highlighted the need for well-meaning Nigerians to learn from the tragedy by prioritizing safety, crowd control, and planning in future events.
The group also pointed out the need for consistent treatment of similar incidents nationwide, citing previous stampedes in Abuja and Anambra. It called for justice for victims and accountability for all stakeholders involved. “Fairness and due process must guide the investigation, and systemic issues contributing to such disasters should be addressed,” HEDA stated.