At least three people have died and 21 others sustained injuries following a stampede during a humanitarian cash distribution exercise in Bama, Borno State.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, May 15, around 8:00 a.m. at Kasugula Primary School, one of the designated centres for a cash assistance programme jointly organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and UNICEF.
Eyewitnesses told Zagazola Makama that a large crowd had gathered to collect a flat-rate cash aid of N28,500. As the number of beneficiaries swelled, tension escalated, and a sudden rush toward the school gate led to a stampede, leaving several individuals trampled and injured.
Bukar Labddo, 60, of Bukar Tela Ward, was pronounced dead on arrival at the General Hospital in Bama. Hospital sources later confirmed that two more victims succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment.
Security personnel were immediately deployed to the scene to restore order and assist in the evacuation of the injured to nearby medical facilities.
The body of the deceased has been released to his family for burial according to Islamic rites. The humanitarian agencies involved have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.