The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) has expressed deep regret over a stampede that occurred on Thursday, May 15, 2025, during a cash disbursement exercise in the Bama local government area of Borno State, where one person died and 21 others were injured.
The NRCS’s regret was disclosed in a statement on its official website, which LEADERSHIP obtained on Sunday in Maiduguri.
The statement said the exercise, a joint initiative by NRCS and UNICEF, aimed to support the educational needs of vulnerable families across three local government areas of the state.
“The second phase of the disbursement, targeting 8,121 beneficiaries, began on May 14, 2025, at four designated pay points: Kasugula Primary School, Old Bama Primary School, Kaigamari Primary School, and Mbusube Primary School,” the NRCS said.
According to the NRCS, over 1,000 beneficiaries received assistance “without incident” on the first distribution day.
However, the statement said that on the second day, a stampede occurred at Kasugula Primary School, resulting in injuries to 21 individuals and one fatality.
The NRCS further stated that four of the injured individuals experienced breathing difficulties but were “promptly resuscitated” and are receiving medical care.
“Their condition is stable, and they are expected to be discharged soon. All injured persons were evacuated to the General Hospital Bama for treatment,” it said. End
