Three people have died and 21 others sustained injuries in a stampede that occurred during a humanitarian cash distribution exercise in Bama, Borno State.

The tragic incident took place on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at approximately 8:00 a.m. at Kasugula Primary School, one of the designated payment centres for the humanitarian operation jointly organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and UNICEF.

According to eyewitness accounts shared with Zagazola Makama, a large crowd had gathered at the location to receive cash assistance of N28,500 per beneficiary. The situation reportedly spiraled out of control when the crowd surged toward the school gate, triggering the deadly stampede.

Hospital sources confirmed that Bukar Labddo, a 60-year-old resident of Bukar Tela Ward, was pronounced dead upon arrival at the General Hospital in Bama. Two additional victims later succumbed to their injuries while receiving medical treatment.

Among the 21 injured residents of Bama town were Falmata Alhaji Modu, Falmata Modu, Tella Babagana Tujani, Bulama Yakime, Amina Mohammed, Mallam Akura, Fatima Bukar, Yagana Ibrahim, Fatima Mohammed, Fatima Abatcha, Zara Lawan, Inde Modu, and Aisha Abdullahi.

Security personnel were immediately deployed to the scene to restore order and assist in evacuating the injured to nearby medical facilities. The body of the deceased has been released to the family for burial according to Islamic rites.

As of the time of this report, neither the International Committee of the Red Cross nor UNICEF has issued an official statement regarding the incident.

This tragedy highlights the challenges faced during humanitarian aid distribution in conflict-affected regions of Nigeria, where large crowds often gather to receive much-needed assistance.