December 2024 will be remembered as a month of heartbreak in Nigeria. Tragic stampedes at charity events in Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra claimed over 100 lives, many of them children, leaving the nation in mourning. The events, triggered by desperate crowds seeking relief amidst economic hardship, not only exposed lapses in crowd management but also raised questions about how such tragedies are reported. Where were the media local and international in framing these events? Did they amplify the voices of the affected, or did they fall into patterns of institutional reliance and superficial narratives?
The First Reports: Local Media on the Ground
When the stampede at Basorun Islamic High School in Ibadan claimed the lives of 35 children, local outlets like Tribune Online and Agidigbo FM were quick to report the tragedy. Their coverage captured the raw emotions of the moment: grief-stricken parents, chaotic rescue efforts, and the community’s anger at the lack of safety measures. Yet, as these reports began to surface, their limitations became evident.
Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 16 (Feb 10 – May 3, 2025) opens registrations; register today for early bird discounts.
Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations here.
Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and invest in Africa’s finest startups here.
Local media’s proximity to the events allowed for immediacy but not always depth. Many relied heavily on statements from the Nigerian Police, who attributed the tragedies to poor planning by event organizers. Missing from much of the coverage were the voices of the victims’ families, whose perspectives could have added a human dimension to the stories. Limited resources further hindered these outlets from conducting deeper investigations into systemic issues like poverty and governance fueling the desperation leading to the stampedes.
Global Attention: Foreign Media Takes the Stage
As the death toll rose, international outlets like BBC, Al Jazeera, and France24 picked up the story. Their coverage framed the stampedes within the broader context of Nigeria’s economic struggles, painting a picture of a nation grappling with poverty and inadequate infrastructure. For instance, BBC’s report highlighted Nigeria’s soaring inflation and rising food insecurity, connecting these to the chaotic charity events.
However, the global reach of these outlets often came at the cost of depth. By focusing on systemic issues, they overlooked specific local nuances. Statements from government officials and police dominated their narratives, while grassroots voices (those of the victims, their families, and community leaders) remained conspicuously absent. Collaboration with local media could have enriched these reports, combining on-the-ground immediacy with global perspectives, but such partnerships were largely missing.
A Missed Opportunity for Collaboration
The divide between local and foreign media coverage highlighted missed opportunities for collaboration. Local outlets could have provided international media with nuanced, on-the-ground insights, while foreign platforms could have amplified these stories to a global audience. Together, they could have crafted more balanced narratives, ensuring that the voices of victims and grassroots communities were heard alongside institutional accounts.
Charting a New Course for Media
To better serve the public and honour the lives lost, media outlets must rethink their approach to covering crises like the Nigerian stampedes. Media must prioritize victim-centred reporting, actively seeking out and amplifying the voices of those directly affected. Stories of loss, resilience, and community response add depth and empathy to coverage.
Local and foreign media must work together to combine strengths. Local outlets can provide immediacy and context, while international platforms can amplify these stories globally, ensuring comprehensive and impactful reporting.
Beyond institutional accounts, media should include perspectives from community leaders, event organizers, and independent experts to create a fuller picture of events. Data visualization, multimedia storytelling, and social media engagement can help present complex issues in accessible and compelling ways, reaching broader audiences.
Media as a Catalyst for Change
The 2024 Nigerian stampedes are a tragic reminder of the media’s responsibility not just to report but to inform, humanize, and hold accountable. Local and foreign outlets must move beyond surface-level narratives to uncover the deeper truths behind such crises. By centring victims, fostering collaboration, and investing in investigative efforts, the media can play a pivotal role in driving systemic change.
In the end, the question is not just where the media were during the stampedes, but where they can be in shaping a future where such tragedies no longer occur. Through thoughtful, comprehensive reporting, they can honour the lives lost and contribute to a society that prioritizes safety, dignity, and justice for all.