Ikire stampede: FENRAD demands justice, transparency, release of detained convener

Nkem Ukaegbu, Umuahia

Following the tragic stampede in Ikire, the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has demanded justice for the victims, transparency in ongoing investigations, and the unconditional release of the citizens’ convener currently in detention.

In a statement signed by the Executive Director of FENRAD Nigeria, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, the organisation expressed profound sorrow and deep concern over the tragic incident, which reportedly occurred in Ikire, Osun State, during a public outreach event organised at the residence of a governorship aspirant.

The incident allegedly resulted in the death of Mrs. Buli Balogun (popularly known as Iya Eleelo) and two children.

According to credible reports, the incident occurred during a New Year celebration where food items and cash gifts were distributed to members of the public.

A stampede allegedly ensued due to poor crowd control and inadequate safety arrangements, leading to the crushing and death of innocent citizens—mostly vulnerable women and children.

FENRAD Nigeria commiserated with the bereaved families, as well as the people of Ikire and Osun State.

“This tragic loss of lives is painful, avoidable, and unacceptable in a society governed by law and democratic principles. The right to life, guaranteed under Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), is sacrosanct. Any political, social, or charitable activity that exposes citizens to avoidable danger constitutes a violation of this fundamental right.

“Political actors and governorship aspirants owe citizens a heightened duty of care, especially when organising mass gatherings. The failure to ensure adequate crowd control, emergency response mechanisms, and security coordination reflects negligence and a troubling disregard for human life. Political ambition must never override the safety and dignity of the people,” he explained.

FENRAD Nigeria further expressed deep alarm over reports of the arrest and/or detention of Mr. Apesin-Abiodun Adegoke, National Coordinator of Concerned Citizens of Nigeria, following his public call for investigation, accountability, and justice for the victims of the Ikire incident.

Peaceful advocacy, freedom of expression, and civic engagement are protected under Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, as well as under international human rights instruments ratified by Nigeria, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The arrest, harassment, or intimidation of any citizen for demanding justice or questioning public conduct is arbitrary, unconstitutional, and indicative of a shrinking civic space. Such actions threaten democracy and embolden impunity.

FENRAD Nigeria observed with grave concern a growing pattern across the country in which critical voices, activists, and civil society actors are routinely intimidated, harassed, or detained for speaking truth to power.

According to the organisation, this trend represents a dangerous slide towards authoritarianism, where state institutions are weaponised to silence dissent and shield politically powerful individuals from scrutiny. A democracy cannot survive where fear replaces free expression.

In view of the foregoing, FENRAD Nigeria called on Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr. Omoyele Sowore—frontline human rights activist—and other civil society organisations, pro-democracy groups, and human rights defenders across Nigeria and beyond to join forces in condemning the incident and the growing culture of intimidation and suppression of dissenting voices.

The organisation urged these bodies and individuals to closely monitor developments in Osun State, demand accountability, provide advocacy and legal support where necessary, and stand in solidarity with victims and activists facing persecution for exercising their constitutional rights.

FENRAD Nigeria reiterated the following urgent, the immediate and unconditional release of the Convener of Concerned Citizens of Nigeria, if detained in connection with his lawful advocacy.

A full, independent, and transparent investigation into the Ikire stampede, including the planning and execution of the event.

Public disclosure of investigation findings and prosecution of all persons found culpable, regardless of political affiliation or status.

Strict enforcement of safety, crowd control, and emergency response standards for political and public gatherings.

An end to the harassment, intimidation, and criminalisation of civil society actors and human rights defenders in Osun State and Nigeria at large.

Justice for Mrs. Buli Balogun and the two children must not be delayed, denied, or politicised. Leadership without responsibility is a threat to society, and silence in the face of injustice is complicity.

FENRAD Nigeria reaffirmed its solidarity with the victims’ families, concerned citizens, and all Nigerians committed to democracy, accountability, and the sanctity of human life.

Justice must not only be done—it must be seen to be done. The organisation therefore calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Apesin-Abiodun Adegoke.