What was meant to be a lifeline for vulnerable families in Bama, Borno State, turned tragic on Thursday, 15 May 2025, as a stampede at Kasugula Primary School claimed one life and left 21 others injured.
The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), in a statement released from Maiduguri on Saturday, confirmed the sad development.
The incident happened during the second day of a cash disbursement programme jointly organised by the Red Cross and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), aimed at supporting families amidst ongoing insecurity in Borno State.
The initiative, now in its second phase, targets over 8,000 beneficiaries across four pay points in Bama: Kasugula, Old Bama, Kaigamari, and Mbusube primary schools. The first day of the exercise went smoothly, according to the NRCS.
“Over 1,000 beneficiaries successfully received assistance on the first day of distribution without incident,” the agency noted.
But things took a turn on the second day. A large crowd gathered at Kasugula Primary School, and in the scramble to access the aid, a stampede broke out.
“One person died and 21 others sustained injuries,” the Red Cross confirmed.
Four of those injured reportedly had difficulty breathing and had to be resuscitated. They are currently receiving treatment and are said to be in stable condition.
“All the injured were evacuated to the General Hospital in Bama for treatment,” the statement added.
The Red Cross extended its condolences to the family of the deceased and promised to review its procedures to ensure such a tragedy does not happen again.
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