Borno Stampede: 1 Dead, 21 Injured During Cash Aid – Red Cross
The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) has confirmed a fatal stampede during a cash aid distribution in Borno State, resulting in one death and injuries to 21 others.
The incident occurred on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at KASUGULA Primary School in Bama Local Government Area — one of four designated locations for the second phase of a humanitarian cash transfer program jointly implemented by the NRCS and UNICEF.
In a statement released on Saturday, May 17, in Maiduguri, the NRCS described the incident as deeply unfortunate.
The cash assistance initiative was intended to support the educational needs of vulnerable families in three local government areas of Borno, with the second phase targeting 8,121 beneficiaries.
Distribution began on May 14 across four sites in Bama: KASUGULA, Old Bama, Kaigamari, and Mbusube primary schools.
The first day of disbursement proceeded smoothly, with over 1,000 individuals receiving aid without issue.
However, on the second day, overcrowding at the KASUGULA venue triggered a stampede. One person died in the chaos, and 21 others were injured.
Among the injured, four individuals who suffered breathing difficulties were successfully resuscitated and are currently in stable condition, receiving care at the General Hospital in Bama.
The Red Cross expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased and assured the public of a thorough review of its crowd-control and distribution protocols to prevent future incidents.
The cash disbursement program is part of a broader initiative aimed at improving access to education and alleviating hardship among communities affected by ongoing conflict in Borno State.
Borno Stampede: 1 Dead, 21 Injured During Cash Aid – Red Cross